Mark Conrad 29 January 2018

Labour accuses Government of 'holding back' local government

Labour MPs have urged ministers to provide ‘strategic vision’ for local government.

They accused the Government of ‘holding back’ the sector through lack of funding and an absence of long-term planning.

In its latest local government health check, Labour’s shadow ministerial team warned that council finances were on the brink, and would not be stabilised by the minimal settlements and policy tools currently being offered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Shadow communities secretary, Andrew Gwynne, said: ‘The Government must provide genuinely new money to fund our public services.’

Labour’s researchers warned that councils were being swamped by additional new costs such as the National Living Wage.

The analysis read: ‘It was hoped that this expense would be funded within the local government finance settlement, but it was not referenced.’

Labour’s shadow team also reiterated its call for the local government finance settlement - traditionally announced just before Christmas - to be brought forward so that councils can better plan their budgets.

Speaking at a conference earlier this month, Smith Square’s head of local government finance, Nicola Morton, said: ‘They [councils] don’t know how much income they are going to have. We are asking for the settlement to be a little bit earlier. An earlier Autumn Budget would mean earlier statements. That would be helpful.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner