Solace Statement on NAO financial sustainability

This is a statement from Martin Reeves, Solace Spokesperson for Local Government Finance, in response to the publication of the National Audit Office’s report on the Financial sustainability of local authorities:

“Today’s National Audit Office report should be a wake-up call for Government. The report confirms that local government has done a good job of managing the cuts to this point, but it is not realistic to expect that further cuts could be absorbed without harsher impacts on the people we serve.

The report also confirms what Solace has long been warning about the impact of uncertainty on sustainability and value for money. Like any other business, councils need certainty, stability and flexibility to plan effectively for the future. Instead, we are having to work in a hand-to-mouth fashion, with no clarity on our financial positions in two years’ time.

It has never been more urgent for central and local government to work together to set out a plan to secure a more sustainable future for our public services.”