Dan Peters 22 August 2019

£5.2bn council funding gap is 'underestimate', says LGA

The Local Government Association (LGA) will argue the sector faces a £5.2bn funding gap in 2020/21 despite believing the figure is an underestimate, The MJ understands.

Smith Square has stepped up its engagement with the Government, with chairman, Cllr James Jamieson, briefing communities secretary Robert Jenrick and chief secretary to the Treasury, Rishi Sunak, on the key issues facing councils.

LGA officials are bullish about their calculations ahead of next month’s one-year fast-tracked spending round, but have deliberately resisted the temptation to exaggerate the figure in an attempt to secure respect from a sceptical Treasury.

The LGA has been open about the methodology it has used to work out the £5.2bn figure but still does not expect the Government to endorse its claims about the additional funding that the sector needs.

Ministers have acknowledged that council services are under financial pressure but then-chancellor Philip Hammond said in April that he did not accept the LGA’s funding gap figures.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner