A joint endeavour
With a Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) under way, I have been writing to ministers on behalf of the LGA’s member councils.
finance
Will warnings on council finances go unheeded?
Another week, another U-turn – this time, the botched A-level results saga. And a government that claims to be ‘levelling up’ has proved once again that this is just one more empty slogan to add to the pile.
Spending review 2020 kicks off
Securing the long-term sustainability of local services must be the top priority of the Government’s 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review, the LGA has said.
Council investments ‘pose risk’
Some councils have exposed themselves to commercial investments that risk cuts in local services and a big bill for local taxpayers, according to the Commons’ Public Accounts Committee.
EU money ‘going unspent’
More than £730 million in vital EU cash – which could help local communities bounce back from COVID-19 – risks going unspent and being sent back to Brussels if the funding is not allocated by the Government before the end of the year, the LGA has warned.
Getting finances on track
The Government’s funding package for councils offers some positive measures and recognises the pressures they are facing, but more is needed.
The cost of coronavirus
Further funding and financial flexibilities are needed to avoid in-year cuts to vital local services during the pandemic.
Councils ‘need four times more funding’
Local government faces “unsustainable” financial pressures as the sector continues to lead efforts to beat the coronavirus pandemic, the LGA has warned.
Budget unveiled
An extra £30 billion of public spending was announced in last month’s Budget – much of it aimed at local priorities including homes, roads, digital connectivity, flood resilience and devolution.
More funding for councils
Councils in England will receive a further £1.6 billion for their response to the coronavirus, taking total funding from government for the pandemic to more than £3.2 billion.