As I reminded my party’s conference in September, there were local elections this May – as well as the amazing general election results, where a record 72 Lib Dem MPs were returned.
The 2024 local elections saw us win more than 500 seats, including 100 from other parties. We now have more than 3,100 councillors in the UK and are part of the leadership of 79 councils.
We are delighted that Cllr Vikki Slade MP – who was, until July, the Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, and a lead LGA board member – has taken on the local government front-bench role for the Liberal Democrats in Parliament. We look forward to working with her and the team.
Despite severe budget cuts, our councillors have remained committed to serving their communities.
Our councils lead on recycling and investing in renewable energy, and we’re fighting the housing crisis by pushing for councils to start building homes again.
Crucially, ahead of the Budget and the provisional local government finance settlement, we have been vocal in requesting immediate action to stabilise council finances and protect vital services.
We need increased funding for adult and children’s social care, SEND services, home-to-school transport, and temporary accommodation, as well as long-term financial reforms, including multi-year settlements. A strong and sustainable local government sector is essential to achieving the Government’s goals for growth.