Martin Ford 02 August 2022

Districts to lobby over inflation pressures

Districts to lobby over inflation pressures image
Image: pitchr/Shutterstock.com.

District councils are gathering evidence on the impact of inflation to aid their lobbying efforts, The MJ understands.

A survey has been carried out by the District Councils’ Network (DCN) on inflationary pressures to prepare for the next finance settlement or any potential budget from the incoming Prime Minister.

The DCN is hoping to get an idea of the budget gap faced by its members, more focused than the work already carried out by the Local Government Association, to take to the Treasury.

Districts argue they are more vulnerable to economic downturns than upper tier authorities due to a heavy reliance on council tax and business rates, while Government grants account for a much smaller proportion of their total funding.

Non-earmarked reserves are also smaller than those swelled by COVID grants in upper tiers.

Early indications suggest districts are facing unfunded pressures from rising energy and fuel costs and demands for pay increases.

While some councils have been insulated from inflation due to the long-term nature of contracts with service providers, others have no choice but to renegotiate terms as they become unviable.

Chairman Sam Chapman-Allen wrote in The MJ last week that the DCN was pressing for councils to able to recover 100% of costs for planning and licensing fees, continue charges for collecting green waste and for income from the New Homes Bonus and Business rates to be protected.

This article originally appeared in The MJ (£).

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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner