Dan Peters Izzy Lepone 15 September 2025

Council leader calls for vital funding reforms

Council leader calls for vital funding reforms image
© Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

The leader of Barnsley Council has highlighted the urgency of delivering funding reforms to Red Wall areas.

Cllr Stephen Houghton warned that councils will increasingly be issuing Section 114 notices if the changes proposed by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner are not introduced.

In an exclusive for The i, Cllr Houghton emphasised that the reforms are ‘essential’ to ensure deprived areas across the UK are supported.

He claimed that ‘there could be dire political consequences’ if improvements are not made.

The warning follows a meeting of Halton Borough Council’s executive board last week, during which councillors were informed that the local authority ‘must adopt a Section 114 attitude to all future spending plans’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 - £34,434.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Service Director - Highways

Central Bedfordshire
£95,953 – £106,769
As part of the council’s leadership team, you will lead specialist technical services Bedfordshire
Recuriter: Central Bedfordshire

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Adults Social Worker - South Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in South England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Public Health

Salford City Council
£109,483 to £122,620
Your opportunity to make a real difference. Salford, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Salford City Council
Linkedin Banner