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

Youth & Community Worker

Sheffield City Council
Grade 7 (£35,745 - £39,186)
Are you passionate about supporting young people? If so, Community Youth Services needs you! Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council

Senior Business Support Officer

Sheffield City Council
Grade 4 £24,294 - £26,421
Are you an experienced administrator looking to take the next step in your career? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council

Youth Voice & Influence worker

Sheffield City Council
Grade 6 £30,825 - £34,834
Are you passionate about supporting young people? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£45217 - £54395 per annum + Flexible, Hybrid, CPD, Gov Pension
Interviews will be held on 30th April 2024.The Team We work with adults from 18 years and over across all specialisms, supporting independence and ma England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Workshop Shift Supervisor - Engine Shed Lane - (094739)

North Yorkshire Council
£35,745 - £40,221
North Yorkshire Council operates a fleet of about 960 vehicles across North Yorkshire. Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.