Ellie Ames 04 December 2024

South East councils on brink of ‘crisis’

South East councils on brink of ‘crisis’ image
Image: Alexander Lukatskiy / Shutterstock.com

The local government system in the South East of England is on ‘the brink of looming crisis’, according to a think-tank.

Localis has urged the Government to use the Comprehensive Spending Review to ‘restore the strength’ of councils in the region to help deliver on national missions.

A new report by the think-tank says despite the South East’s reputation for prosperity, councils are experiencing significant financial strain, which is impacting their capacity to deliver local services.

The study calls for the councils to get new powers over recruitment policies, including the ability to set more competitive pay scales to attract and retain talent.

It argues that authorities in the region would also benefit from devolved control of immigration policy for key roles like care workers and in green skills to address acute workforce shortages.

The director of South East Councils, Sean McKee, said: ‘As ministers ponder structural matters for the South East like devolving powers and council sizes, an additional, crucial issue requiring dedicated focus is the local government workforce.

‘Government is eager to pursue national missions to foster economic growth and bring social benefit.

‘However, delivering those missions at the local level will require an adequate, skilled cohort of council staff on a range of services.

‘The current delivery framework has limits and gaps in several service areas. These need to be addressed before any new responsibilities are bestowed.’

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