Martin Ford 09 October 2018

English councils undergoing harshest spending cuts

English councils have been hit twice as hard by spending cuts compared to their Scottish and Welsh counterparts, according to a study published today.

The University of Cambridge found that councils in England had suffered an average service spending fall of almost 24% since 2010 - compared to 12% in Wales and 11.5% in Scotland.

Researchers suggested devolved powers have enabled the Scottish and Welsh governments to mitigate the harshest cuts.

Councils most reliant on Whitehall grants, with lower property values and fewer other funding sources, have been hardest hit.

Dr Mia Gray, who conducted the research with Dr Anna Barford, said: ‘The idea that austerity has hit all areas equally is nonsense.'

All 46 councils that reduced spending by 30% or more are located in England, with the deepest cuts in the north, including Salford City Council, and South Tyneside, Wigan, Oldham and Gateshead MBCs.

Southern England has experienced ‘relatively minor’ service cuts, according to the research.

Dr Gray added: ‘The councils in greatest need have the weakest local economies.

'Many areas with populations that are ageing or struggling to find employment have very little in the way of a public safety net.

‘The Government needs to decide whether it is content for more local authorities to essentially go bust, in the way we have already seen in Northamptonshire this year.’

A separate survey also released today has found almost two-thirds of the public want more spending - even if it means tax hikes.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner