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“We are pleased that a further £102 million has been announced for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Councils will look forward to accessing this as soon as possible to ensure as many businesses in their area can benefit as possible.”

“Years of unprecedented central government funding cuts have left many councils beyond the point where council tax income can be expected to plug the growing funding gaps they face."

“The inclusion of councils in the Government’s six-month energy price guarantee announced today is a positive step which should help mitigate against some of the extra pressures councils face this year as a result of spiralling energy costs."

“Public finances are undoubtedly under huge strain but investment in our local services will be vital for our national economic and social recovery."

“We are pleased that today’s Spending Review has provided new government grant funding for councils over the next three years to support vital local services. This will help meet some – but not all - of the extra cost and demand pressures they face just to provide services at today’s levels."

Already stretched councils in England will see the core central government funding they use to pay for vital services like collecting bins, filling potholes, protecting children and caring for elderly and disabled people, cut in half over the next two years.

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

Council employees have been offered an improved pay increase of 2.75 per cent from 1 April 2020, plus an additional one day’s leave which would increase the minimum entitlement from 21 to 22 days per year (plus public holidays).

"Inflation is not going to come down overnight; reserves can only be spent once; a local service cannot be cut twice."

“We are pleased that councils will now be able to provide much-needed support to many households on the lowest incomes by quickly reducing or removing the need for them to pay council tax."