Europe’s largest local authority, Birmingham City Council, is among 21 authorities which are currently on notice to quit the Local Government Association next year.
Five London boroughs have also handed in their notice for the next year – which would allow them to walk out at the end of the financial year, if they so choose.
However, many councils are now using a system of rolling over their notice to keep their options open on spending commitments for the future.
Three more councils left membership of the association this year – Doncaster MBC, Slough Council and Tory flagship, Windsor and Maidenhead RBC. Together, they join the four authorities already outside the fold.
Jo Miller, deputy chief executive of the LGA, said: ‘The LGA is working tirelessly on behalf of councils to secure real financial benefits, and provide the best-possible value for money.
‘There has never been a more important time for local government to speak up with one voice.’
Councils no longer in the LGA
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk BC
Windsor and Maidenhead RBC
Doncaster MBC
Slough Council
Councils on notice
Birmingham City Council
Brighton and Hove City Council
Tyne and Wear ITA