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.

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