William Eichler 14 October 2024

Solace: Underfunding councils ‘ultimate false economy’

Solace: Underfunding councils ‘ultimate false economy’  image
Image: tech_BG / Shutterstock.com.

Failing to ensure councils are properly funded is ‘the ultimate false economy’ because it forces them to make ‘repugnant’ service cuts which lead to greater problems in the future, local government professionals warn.

In their Spending Review submission, Solace called on the Government to secure a multi-year funding settlement, stabilise social care budgets, fix the workforce crisis, invest in social infrastructure, and empower local leaders to drive economic growth.

Solace President Matt Prosser said that the current fiscal outlook meant councils are forced to make ‘increasingly repugnant’ service cuts in the knowledge that this will only lead to problems further down the line.

‘Inadequate funding for local government is the ultimate false economy – we are already seeing the negative consequences of such an approach – so we should be investing in the sector instead of trying to continue cutting our way out of a fiscal hole.’

Patrick Melia, Solace spokesperson for local government finance, commented that without ‘robust and resilient councils’ the Government’s missions would be ‘undeliverable.’

He also added that the time had come to consider ‘much more fundamental reform of the local government finance system’.

Check out: Weakening financial sustainability arrangements

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner