Laura Sharman 10 December 2021

Counties face funding shortfall of over £500m next year

Counties face funding shortfall of over £500m next year image

County councils are facing a funding gap of over £500m in 2022 resulting in council tax rises or service cuts, leaders have warned today.

New analysis by the County Councils Network shows that even if the extra £1.5bn for local government in 2022/23 is targeted at addressing pressures in adult social care, it would still leave counties with a shortfall of at least £561m next year.

The leaders of England's largest councils are calling on the Government to bring forward a greater share of the Health and Care Levy for councils earlier. It wants this levy pooled with the NHS so both sides of the health service are able to receive resource from the new tax.

Cllr Tim Oliver, chairman of the County Councils Network, said: 'For council leaders, the winter period when we must set our budgets is one of the most difficult times of the year, though the government’s funding for local government in the Spending Review is a significant boost for councils and has made the process a little easier this time.

'However, it is not the silver bullet to our funding shortfall and many of us will still face a substantive gap in their finances. We recognise that our residents will be feeling the pinch after a tough 18 months with the cost of living rising, whilst some may be facing uncertain employment prospects.

'County residents already pay the highest rates and those county leaders that do propose rises of the maximum permitted will be doing so as they have little choice other than to substantively reduce local services.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner