The LGA has sent its submission to HM Treasury as part of the UK Government’s Spending Review

The LGA has now sent its submission to HM Treasury as part of the UK Government’s Spending Review.

Writing on behalf of our member councils, we have set out what is required to ensure long term sustainability of councils and to back the crucial role they play in solving the nation’s biggest challenges while bringing about sustainable and inclusive local economic growth.

The letter, co-authored by the LGA’s cross-party leadership group, reaffirms that councils are the backbone of our country, with dedicated councillors and officers making a real difference every day to help build thriving communities and improve the lives of their residents.

It provides a clear business case for increased investment, financial support and a package of measures to give our members more tools to help communities thrive.

The full submission reflects the “mission-led, reform-focused and technology-enabled” terms of reference, and provides a strong case to underline the central and foundational role of local government in bolstering growth and successfully realising the ambitions set out in the Government’s Plan for Change.

It explains how current demand pressures for much relied upon services continue to grow day in, day out. Councils stand ready to work with government to ensure it fulfils it Plan for Change and reforms public services. But we can only do this with adequate funding.

Key highlights include:

• The funding required to keep much loved services going;
• How councils are central to public sector reform;
• The opportunities that await us in digital innovation and technology-led reform;
• How breaking down barriers to opportunity can help everyone thrive;
• How by stabilising and adequately funding adult social care councils can help ensure the NHS if fit for the future;
• As leaders of place and major local employers, how councils can unlock inclusive and sustainable growth, provide improved transport services and regenerate their areas;
• What councils could achieve with green energy, helping the country accelerate towards net zero; and
• Highlighting the crucial role councils play in promoting community cohesion, reducing reoffending and helping to crack down on anti-social behaviour as well as knife crime and on counter terrorism, ensuring we are playing our part in helping to keep streets safe.

A copy of our submission will be published in full in due course.