LGA statement on Budget 2024

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: 

“Ahead of the Budget, the LGA has made the case for government to address the cost and demand pressures, which have pushed many councils towards the financial edge. It is encouraging that the Chancellor has responded today by providing £1.3 billion extra funding for the next financial year, which will help meet some – but not all – of the significant pressures in adult and children’s social care and homelessness support.

“Extra funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities is positive but also now needs to be followed by fundamental reform of the SEND system, focussing on improving inclusion in mainstream settings and writing off councils’ high needs deficits. We are also pleased the Government is providing additional funding to continue children’s social care reforms and to pilot a Kinship Allowance and will set out plans to promote early intervention to help prevent children and families reaching crisis point in the first place. 

“Today’s Budget also includes some positive measures which we have called for, such as Right to Buy reform, funding for potholes, childcare, and affordable housing, which will help councils support early years, repair roads, and build new and improve existing homes. An extension to the Household Support Fund next year will also help councils provide welfare support to vulnerable households. These are all vital issues for our communities.

“This is a step in the right direction, but councils and the services they provide to their residents still face a precarious short and long-term future. The Government needs to give explicit clarity on whether councils will be protected from extra cost pressures from the increases to employer national insurance contributions.

“Only with greater funding certainty through multi-year settlements and more clarity on financial reform, can councils protect services, meet the needs of residents and work in partnership on the Government's priorities, from social care to housing, inclusive economic growth and tackling climate change. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government to address these issues for councils and communities.”