Mark Whitehead 22 March 2023

District councils ‘starved of cash’, local leaders warn

District councils ‘starved of cash’, local leaders warn image
Image: Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Shutterstock.com.

District councils say they are being starved of cash while county authorities, the police and parishes are being allowed to raise their bills, causing a ‘devastating’ impact on services.

The finding comes from a survey by the District Councils Network (DCN) which says it raises questions about the resources available to provide local services including waste collection, leisure and environmental services.

The survey revealed that 77% of district councils are raising council tax by the maximum possible amount, or very close to it, with an average increase of 10p.

But they were only allowed to increase their council tax bills by 3% this year while other types of authorities were able to increase bills by more.

The network is calling for extra financial freedom to compensate for the districts’ loss of revenue since the pandemic.

Peter Fleming, the DCN’s finance spokesman, said: ‘Council tax bills may be sent out by districts and carry your district council’s logo but district councils are getting an ever lower proportion of the revenue they raise, with a devastating impact on the services that matter the most to residents and are provided to everyone.

‘While county councils, the police and parish councils were permitted to increase their portions of bills by a far higher percentage than district councils, our universal services are being starved of cash, with a below inflation cap on any increase, damaging our communities and our ability to steer are places through these difficult times.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner