Responding to the final Local Government Finance Settlement
announced today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local
Government Association, said:
“We are pleased the Government has acted on our call for
desperately-needed new money for councils to meet the rising cost
pressures they face this year and published this final settlement
quickly, so councils can effectively plan how to provide local
services.
“Extra funding for social care this year, council-tax
raising powers and the continuation of key grants confirmed today
are good news and will ensure councils can help older and
disabled people to live more independently, support our most
vulnerable young people and continue to deliver vital
services.
“We are disappointed that the Government has not used the
final settlement to provide the £220 million needed to pay for
the faster than expected rise in the National Living Wage from
April. Councils fully support the NLW but this unforeseen new
cost pressure needs to be funded to avoid the fragile care
provider market being further destabilised. We also urge the
Government to publish the public health settlement as soon as
possible so councils can properly plan how to provide vital
services which help people stay healthy, while reducing the
strain on the NHS and social care.
“Councils have faced an unprecedented period of funding and
demand pressures and continue to face significant pressures and
challenges. The positive settlement confirmed today is for
one-year only and we look forward to working with the Government
to ensure its forthcoming Budget and Spending Review provides
a funding settlement that allows councils
to improve services and not just keep them going.
“With long-term investment, councils can protect local
services, meet the significant ongoing pressures they face both
now and in the future and make a huge difference to the lives of
our residents and communities.”
