Published on Local Government Association Daily News Headlines 14 Feb 2019

Nearly all local authorities in England are planning to raise council tax in the coming year while vital services remain under pressure, according to a survey.

The findings by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and the Municipal Journal found eight in 10 councils believe the current funding system is “unsustainable”, with more than half, 53 per cent, planning to use their reserves.

Almost a third of councils said they were planning to cut spending on adult social care, and a quarter expect to reduce the amount spent on children’s services.

The LGA said the forthcoming Spending Review would be “make or break” for many vital local services. Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the LGA’s Resources Board, said: “Many councils feel they have little choice but to ask residents to pay more council tax again this year to help them try and protect their local services.

“With councils facing a funding gap of more than £3 billion this year, council tax rises will not prevent the need for continued cutbacks to local services.

“If we truly value our local services then we have to be prepared to pay for them. Fully funding councils is the only way they will be able to keep providing the services which matter to people’s lives.” Cllr Watts has also pre-recorded an interview with Sky News Radio on the issue.
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