Ellie Ames 21 October 2024

One in four councils likely to request exceptional financial support

One in four councils likely to request exceptional financial support image
Image: Nigel J. Harris / Shutterstock.com

One in four English councils believe they will have to apply for exceptional financial support (EFS) in the next two years without additional funding, stark new research has revealed.

The figure rose to 44% of councils with social care responsibilities, according to the Local Government Association (LGA) survey.

As its annual conference launches in Harrogate today, the LGA also revealed that about a tenth of councils had already discussed the possibility of requesting EFS this year.

It comes after the Government granted the financial support to an unprecedented 18 councils in February.

The LGA survey also found that almost eight in 10 councils anticipated that cuts would affect services for disabled adults and/or older people next year, with 63% expecting that provision for children, young people and families would be affected.

Almost two-thirds of local authorities (62%) said parks, green spaces and sport services would be hit by cuts.

LGA chair Louise Gittins said: ‘The unprecedented emergency support given to councils this year reveals the extraordinary funding emergency facing local government.

‘As our survey shows, many more councils are being pushed into a precarious financial position.

‘The Autumn Budget must provide councils with the financial stability they need to protect the services our communities rely on every day.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker - Wolfson Unit

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North EssexFixed Term, Full Time£34,904 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner