Mark Whitehead 31 March 2016

Extra costs force councils to ‘crunch point’

Extra costs, resulting from a double whammy of changes, are forcing councils towards ‘crunch point,’ council chief executives have warned.

The new National Living Wage (NLW) and changes to pensions will, according to the latest figures, cost the sector more than £1bn a year.

The NLW will cost at least £337m in 2016/17, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said, and changes to pension arrangements will add a further £797m annually.

The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) warned that the viability of the sector’s financial model was being called into question as a result of the extra costs.

SOLACE director Graeme McDonald said: ‘The new NLW adds a significant new burden to local government, particularly in social care.

‘This is one of a bulging list of risks that bring into question the viability of our finance model as councils face a rising tide of costs.

‘Increasing demand, new government burdens and a narrowing income base means the sector is approaching crunch point.’

To read more on this, visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner