Heather Jameson 16 February 2017

Councils urged to 'stop lying' about financial problems

Local government has been urged to stop pretending transformation will solve the massive underfunding it faces, according to two leading local government players.

Speaking exclusively to The MJ, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy chief executive, Rob Whiteman, and chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Martin Reeves, launched a dramatic call for a sector-wide debate on the future of local government.

Mr Reeves claimed the sector’s denial of the financial picture was tantamount to lying.

He said: ‘Let’s expose some of those myths out there about alleged solutions to those problems when what is staring us in the face is the underfunding.’

Click here to read the full interviews and for analysis of the claims (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Supporting Family Time Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata to hours worked
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to recruit Sessional Supporting Family Time Workers to join our dedicated team. As a seven-day-a-week Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Business Manager

Durham County Council
£ 39,481- £43,149
Permanent Contract, Full Time 37 hours per week Term Time Only Required to start 1/12/2026 (Or sooner if possible).   Required from December 2026 (Or Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Nursery Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,016 - £26,847 pro rata
Required from 2 November 2026 to 16 July 2027.  15 hour per week, Mon - Fri 8.45am-11.45am, term time only plus 2 weeks. The Governors of Wolsingham Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer

Durham County Council
£25,614- £26,016 (Pro Rata)
Permanent contract- Part Time- 27.5 hours per week (9
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner