STORY
Local Government finance specialists have warned that public services should be placed at the centre of the next Prime Minister’s plans as councils face continuing pressure on budgets. A reported £7 billion funding gap has added to calls for a longer-term settlement for local public services.
The warning reflects continuing concern about adult social care, children’s services, homelessness, special educational needs and wider neighbourhood services. Councils have argued that short-term funding packages have not resolved structural pressures caused by rising demand and higher costs.
Local Government bodies are expected to keep pressing ministers for greater financial certainty ahead of future spending decisions. The debate also sits alongside wider discussions about fiscal devolution, local audit, council reorganisation and the balance of responsibilities between Whitehall and local authorities.