Ellie Ames 21 November 2024

Call for ‘courage’ to fix council finances

Call for ‘courage’ to fix council finances image
Image: Mistervlad / Shutterstock.com

A think-tank has urged the Government to show ‘political courage’ in reforming the local government finance system in next spring’s comprehensive spending review.

A new report by Localis warns there are no easy solutions to several ‘crises’ facing councils, particularly cost pressures in temporary accommodation, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and adult social care.

But it says steps to radical reform must be taken during this parliament, starting with an update to the formula for allocating central government grants to councils, which the Government committed to in the Autumn Budget.

Localis also proposed devolving revenue-raising powers, including ‘tourist taxes’ and environmental levies; reforming business rates; and either revaluing council tax bands or adding more and removing the single-person discount.

Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran said: ‘Fixing a broken system will require political choices and the expenditure of political capital – there will be winners and losers.

‘However, as our report highlights, there is much in the wider arsenal of fiscal policy to draw on for a reformed local taxation system that is more efficient, fairer and sustainable.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Investment Marketing and Web Officer CDC

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
The postholder should be experienced in planning social media activity, refreshing web content and analysing their impact. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Passenger Assistant (Escort) x 4 posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 3 - dependant on hours
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Traffic Engineering Senior Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £28,132 - £30,914
You will play a key role in the planning, implementation and operation of traffic signal infrastructure across the city. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Modern Slavery and Violence Prevention Programme Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band H, SCP38 - 43 (£49,282 - £54,495) per annum
Sandwell Council is seeking an experienced and visionary Modern Slavery and Violence Prevention Programme Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner