Ellie Ames 21 June 2024

Service cuts likely, think-tank warns

Service cuts likely, think-tank warns image
Image: Tendo / Shutterstock.com.

Councils could be forced to cut back service provision if cost and demand pressures continue to grow, researchers have warned.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) noted that the main parties’ manifestos were ‘almost silent’ on council funding, meaning there is significant uncertainty about what the financial landscape for local government will look like over the next parliament.

The IFS said local services would likely be cut even if council tax were increased by 5% a year and funding from central government frozen in real terms.

Report author Kate Ogden said: ‘Many councils are under clear financial strain.

‘They are struggling to meet the surging demand and cost for services such as children’s and adults’ social care, residential placements, special educational needs support and temporary accommodation for the homeless.

‘Unless these pressures slow down significantly and quickly, or the next government gives a big injection of funding to local government, councils will likely need to make cutbacks to some areas of provision.’

Local Government Association senior vice chairman Kevin Bentley said: ‘A funding gap of more than £6bn facing local services over the next two years – fuelled by rising cost and demand pressures – means a chasm will continue to grow between what people and their communities need and want from their councils and what councils can deliver.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner