Four of the UK’s leading local government associations are calling on the new government to address critical funding challenges that have left many local authorities on the brink of financial collapse
The associations representing key services such as children’s care, public health, adult social care, and environmental planning worry that without quick action, councils will be unable to meet their communities’ essential needs.
The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT), the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) have come together to encourage the government to implement an important review of local government funding.
This comes ahead of next week’s budget announcement and shows how years of reduced public spending, along with rising service demands have led to the council financially struggling.
Key demands
The associations are asking for:
- A thorough review of local government funding.
- The introduction of multi-year funding settlements.
- The removal of short-term, siloed funding streams.
- Clarity on the future of various fixed-term funding pots.
The associations’ leaders highlight that these steps are important for enabling local authorities to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions for their communities.
Ann Carruthers, President of ADEPT, emphasised the importance of local councils in addressing national priorities such as climate change, economic growth, and social equality. “Local authorities are integral to addressing national priorities such as climate change, economic growth, social equality and public health.” Carruthers said. “We need a funding model that allows us to plan long-term, sustainable solutions for our communities and the environment.”
Meeting essential needs
Local leaders have also emphasised the difficult decisions they have to face particularly with many councils being forced to cut services despite growing need.
Greg Fell, President of ADPH, expressed his frustration with the current funding model. “As local leaders, we are responsible for ensuring that residents are able to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.”
The same financial pressures are felt in children’s services. ADCS President Andy Smith highlighted the growing challenges faced by young people, including declining life chances in education and health. “Social progress will drive economic growth. As membership associations, we urge the government to use the upcoming budget to invest in children, young people and their families, as well as the public services they rely on to help them to thrive,” he said.
The need for action
The associations are willing and ready to work with the government to ensure the future of local services.
Without it, councils may be unable to deliver the key services that people across the UK rely on.
With the budget announcement just days away, the associations are hopeful that the government will hear their calls and take decisive action to address the funding crisis facing local authorities.
