Local government leaders have called on all political parties to adopt its 10-point plan to boost local services and drive economic growth.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has today published its key manifesto asks, such as ensuring councils have enough funding to provide vital services. Figures show that local government is facing a funding deficit of £5.8bn by 2020.
The plan also calls for new devolution deals across all parts of the UK, continued reforms of business rates income and a central in deciding which EU laws to keep or scrap in the wake of Brexit.
LGA chairman Lord Porter said: ‘The need for financial sustainability for local government is urgent. Councils need fairer funding to continue to provide the full range of services that support their local communities, alongside a fairer funding system for all schools.
‘To build new homes, create jobs, provide the dignified care for our elderly and disabled and boost economic growth, all councils also need greater freedom from central government to take decisions over vital services in their area.
‘Local government’s offer to all political parties is clear – commit to these key policy pledges and we will deliver.’