This in from the Local Government Association. Ed
Responding to the Autumn Statement, announced by the Chancellor today, LGA Chair Cllr David Sparks said:
“Today’s Autumn Statement spared hard-pressed local services from further bad news.
“The Chancellor has confirmed that local services will not face additional cuts next year, on top of those already announced. In doing so, government has acknowledged the huge contribution councils have already made to balancing the country’s books, and the fragile financial position in which this has placed many local authorities.
“The commitment to multi-year budgets for local government is also good news for everyone who uses the services councils provide. Longer-term financial certainty is crucial to good quality, well run public services.
“By next May, government funding for councils will be 40 per cent lower than it was in 2010. Behind these numbers we must not forget that it is individuals who have paid the price of funding reductions, whether it is through seeing their local library close, roads deteriorate or support for young people and families scaled back. Further reductions without radical reform will have a detrimental impact on people’s quality of life.
“Extra money pledged to the NHS today will have to be spent picking up the pieces left by a declining adult social care system unless services provided by local authorities are properly funded. Adult social care is in crisis and desperately needs to be put on a sustainable financial footing.
“Following the new devolved powers announced for Greater Manchester, it is disappointing that devolution for the rest of England has not yet got off the ground. The Government has promised new devolved powers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but has failed to deliver for England. All parts of the country – from big cities to non-metropolitan areas – need greater freedom from Whitehall. This should include freedom to invest in the housing people need, without being hampered by a counterproductive Treasury investment cap.
“There is clear evidence and a consensus across the political spectrum that taking decisions on issues like transport, housing, skills and care closer to the people affected improves services and saves money.
“A much faster and more ambitious approach to devolution is urgently required if the local services which underpin people’s daily lives are to survive the next few years.
“England can no longer afford for this to be a pilot project. For some areas, it’s now devolution or bust.”
Image: altogetherfool under CC BY 2.0
