Responding to the launch of a consultation into local
government funding reform, Cllr Pete Marland,
Chair of the Local Government Association's Economy and Resources
Board, said:
"An opaque funding system has weakened councils' financial
sustainability and vital public services, and we will be
working through the details of this consultation.
“Different councils will have contrasting views on these
proposals. Individual councils will need to know the implications
and a transitional mechanism is crucial to avoid putting services
at risk.
“Clarity on councils being able to keep high needs deficits off
their main balance sheets is helpful. We continue to urge
government to write off these deficits as part of its
comprehensive SEND reform plan.
"Greater financial certainty and a simpler funding system are
important. However, council finances remain under
pressure and all councils need adequate resources to meet
growing cost and demand pressures.
“We look forward to government co-producing with the sector its
approach to setting out and measuring progress on outcomes.”
Responding to the launch of a consultation on council tax
collection, Cllr Marland added:
"Council tax income is an increasingly important
funding stream for the local services millions rely on every day.
Councils have a duty to residents to collect taxes so those
services are not affected.
"Councils also know residents can be affected by debt and
financial hardship and have implemented a wide range of measures
to ensure that recovery practices are fair, and support is
available for households who are struggling to pay their bills.
"All councils already allow residents to pay council tax over a
12-month period, but we look forward to working with government
on an approach that enables councils to invest in council tax
collection practices that effectively balance the collection of
vital revenues with measures that help those struggling to pay.”
