News

The latest shared services map from the Local Government Association (LGA), published today, shows that there are now 626 individual shared service arrangements across the country resulting in £1.34 billion of efficiency savings.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Innovation Board, responds to to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman ‘Review of local government complaints 2018-19.

“We are delighted that today’s Spending Round has delivered a funding package of more than £3.5 billion for our vital local services next year."

“This 1 per cent PWLB rate increase could cost councils an extra £70 million a year for borrowing to be undertaken in the next year."

“With councils facing extra cost pressures of at least £2.5 billion a year, the next Government needs to commit to moving forward with vital business rates reforms and the LGA looks forward to working with the Government to make this happen.”

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responds to the report by Citizens Advice on council tax collection practices.

“Today’s ruling is good news for councils and the local services our communities rely on across the country."

“The newly announced retail discounts will provide support for high street businesses and pubs, but it is crucial that in line with normal government practice, councils are fully funded for this loss of extremely important income."

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 2 per cent from 1 April 2020.