The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
The local government family has long warned of the growing financial challenges facing councils. Through savings and efficiencies, councils have done everything they can to deliver balanced budgets and ensure vital local services are saved from being cut. Yet for many of our members, they are now approaching or already at the point where their financial sustainability is at risk.
Today we unite to call on the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement to address the significant financial challenges faced by councils, and to protect the vital local services that our residents rely on every day.
But
A coalition of councils, charities and campaigners - including those with experience of the children’s care system - has written a joint open letter to the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urging him in Wednesday’s Autumn Statement to provide the funding children’s social care “desperately needs…before it is pushed to the brink”.
“This is an important moment for adult social care, a lot of work from across the sector has gone into the preparation and execution of these assessments. "
“These figures emphasise how vital it is that next week’s Autumn Statement ensures that children’s services are adequately funded so councils can meet this rising demand and ensure children and their families get the support they need, as soon as they need it.
“The easy savings have long since gone. Councils are being faced with tough decisions about cutting valued services, increasing council tax and fees and charges during a cost-of-living crisis. "
The number of long-term empty homes has increased nationally by nearly 10 per cent over the past five years, the equivalent of just over one per cent of the country’s housing stock, a new report commissioned by the Local Government Association reveals today.
“We fully support the conclusions of this helpful annual report and councils remain committed to ensuring that older people live independent and fulfilling lives.
“We support NAO’s recommendation that DHSC must assess the impact of its current and planned reform interventions on local authorities and consult with stakeholders to ensure its plans are manageable.”