Time to fund councils properly
As we begin a new year, it’s natural to think about new beginnings. Could 2022 be the year that the Government stops dithering and finally gets a grip on council funding?
finance
LGA call to ‘build back local’
Councils face average extra annual cost pressures of £2.5 billion to maintain services at current levels, LGA analysis has found.
Jenrick calls for 10-year plans
A three-year spending review is “long overdue” and something local government “desperately needs”, according to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The LGA’s Budget submission
Despite increased government support, councils need a further £2.6 billion in this financial year to plug funding gaps arising from the pandemic.
Benefits uplift should be made permanent
Thousands of families rely on universal credit to pay for day-to-day essentials including food, clothing and utilities.
Councils for fair tax
Just before lockdown in March, we were due to consider a motion on approving the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration. We wanted Trafford to be an early endorser of a growing movement that is standing up for responsible corporation tax conduct.
Successfully managing debt in a pandemic
Talking about debt is never an easy subject to broach, especially during a global pandemic, when debts may be held by the vulnerable or those under significant financial strain.
Spending Review shortened to one year
The Chancellor has decided to only conduct a one-year Spending Review in order to prioritise the response to COVID-19, and focus on immediate support to create jobs.
Certainty and resources to plan ahead
The final local government finance settlement for 2021/22, which was laid before Parliament in February, confirmed that councils will receive a share of £51.3 billion in funding (a 4.6 per cent increase in cash terms).