Tories so trapped in crisis of their own making that they are neglecting the needs of the country - Gwynne

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, responding to James Brokenshire’s Written Ministerial statement announcing he is postponing the provisional local government settlement, said:

“Theresa May’s weakness has completely immobilised the Government.

“The Tories are so trapped in a crisis of their own making over their botched Brexit negotiations that they are neglecting the needs of the country. Having delayed the introduction of several key policies, it’s clear that the Prime Minister is in office but not in power.

“Over eight years, the Tories have cut central government funding for local authorities by 50 per cent, leaving our councils on the brink of collapse and public services at breaking point. 

“We need a functioning government that will end Tory austerity and rebuild Britain for the many not the few.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• ·         Secretary of State James Brokenshire announced today via a Written Ministerial statement that he is postponing the provisional local government settlement. https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-12-05/HCWS1145/
• ·         The Government has recently delayed the publication of their immigration white paper, the NHS 10 year plan and the local government settlement.
• ·         Councils have faced central funding cuts of nearly 50% since 2010-11 https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k1113