, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of
State for Communities and Local Government, responding to the
Local Government Finance Settlement, said:
“Time and time again, this Government has ignored warnings of the
social care crisis, from health, social care and local government
experts and from MPs across the political spectrum."
“This Local Government Finance Settlement is no different to
what’s come before. It is all smoke and mirrors – pushing numbers
around but not offering any new money. Shifting the burden on to
council tax payers creates a postcode lottery in social care
services. Wealthy areas will prosper whilst poorer communities
will struggle. This was made clear by the revelation of the
sweetheart deal offered to Surrey County Council behind closed
doors, whilst the rest of the country suffers.”
“The brutal cuts handed down by this Tory government will leave
local councils facing a £5.8billion funding gap in just two
years’ time. Libraries, youth centres and Sure Start centres have
closed. Child protection services are creaking. Frail elderly
people and vulnerable disabled people are being left lonely and
isolated.”
“This is a crisis made in Westminster but, as per usual, the
Tories are pushing the blame on to councils, communities, carers
and families. The Government must come forward with immediate
funding, as well as a long-term, sustainable and strategic vision
for social care.”
