Austin Macauley 04 March 2016

Transition fund carve up leaves Wolverhampton feeling ‘robbed’

Analysis by the BBC has found stark differences in the levels of transition funds being provided to councils across the country.

Richmond-Upon-Thames will receive around £30 a head and is closely followed by Wokingham and Surrey – compared with an average of £5.57 across the country.

Many other local authority areas will not receive any help from the £300m of transitional funding provided by the Government to cushion the blow of long-term cuts, including Wolverhampton.

Its finance spokesman, Cllr Andrew Johnson, told the BBC: ‘Wolverhampton feels robbed not to have received a share of the transition grant.

‘We often compare ourselves to Wokingham which is much wealthier and has been much better treated throughout the austerity cuts.

‘We are the 17th most deprived local authority in the country and Wokingham is 133rd. How can it be fair that people in Wokingham are given the equivalent of nearly £27 each of this money but people in Wolverhampton not a penny?’

Councils that raise more of their own revenue via business rates and council tax have seen the biggest cuts to their revenue support grant, reported the BBC, and the transition funds have been allocated to take account of that.

Richmond’s leader Lord True told the BBC: ‘These figures must be seen in context. We were going to lose just over 48% of our grant overnight. We are still going to end up in the same place with the same loss of money, just on a different trajectory.

‘It is not a question of what we are going to spend the money on. We still have the same decisions to take, we are still looking at eight-figure cuts, but we can move from A to B in a less brutal way for the public.’

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: ‘This long-term funding settlement for councils is fair, and ensures those facing the highest demand for services continue to receive more funding.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Finance Business Partner

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£59,961 - £65,471 per annum (£65,472 - £73,442 Gateway Range)
In this role, you’ll provide expert financial support and strategic insight across Children’s Services and Corporate functions Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Finance Business Partner - Capital

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£59,961 - £65,471 per annum (£65,472 - £73,442 Gateway Range)
As part of our finance leadership team, you’ll lead on all aspects of capital finance, supporting major investment projects Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Education Advisory Service Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£70,152 – £85,551 per annum
Education Advisory Service Manager�... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - North Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in North England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner