LGA responds to Government Spending Round 2019

Wednesday, 4 September 2019 14:15

Responding to the Government Spending Round announced today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “We are delighted that today’s Spending Round has delivered a funding package of more than £3.5 billion for our vital local services next year. This is the biggest year on year real terms increase in spending power for local government in a decade and will allow councils to meet the rising cost and demand pressures they face in 2020/21. “The LGA has...Request free trial

Responding to the Government Spending Round announced today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

“We are delighted that today’s Spending Round has delivered a funding package of more than £3.5 billion for our vital local services next year. This is the biggest year on year real terms increase in spending power for local government in a decade and will allow councils to meet the rising cost and demand pressures they face in 2020/21.

“The LGA has worked hard to demonstrate to the Government the financial pressures facing councils next year. We are pleased it has responded to our calls and acted by providing desperately-needed new money next year, including £1 billion for social care and £700 million for children and young people with special educational needs.

“This will help councils as they strive to ensure older and disabled people can live the lives they want to lead, support our most vulnerable young people and allow them to continue to improve local areas.

“Confirmation that key grants will also continue next year provides much-needed stability for councils. The ability to levy an adult social care precept again next year helpfully gives them the potential to raise a further £500 million to help people in our communities who need care and support.

“Today’s Spending Round has provided councils with much of the certainty they need about how local services will be funded next year.

“It shows that the LGA is successfully making the case that investing in local government is good for the nation’s prosperity, economic growth and the overall health and wellbeing of the nation. With the freedom and funding to make local decisions, there is clear evidence that outcomes for the nation improve and the country gets better value for money.

“We are ready to work with the Government on how a forthcoming Queen’s Speech can spark the radical legislative programme that will reignite the devolution process so councils can continue to lead their local areas and improve the lives of their residents.”