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News

16th December 2021

Solace statement on Local Government Finance Settlement

Martin Reeves, Solace spokesperson for local government finance, said: “It is frustrating that the Government – having outlined a three-year spending envelope at the Spending Review – has not only provided a one-year deal, but once again left it to the last minute to tell the sector about it.

“While providing some extra money is always welcome, it still falls far short of what is required – making councils wait for an insufficient finance settlement when they are having to contend with some of the most extraordinary funding pressures as a result of the pandemic is not only unnecessary but damaging to the people and places we serve.

“That is why we need a Commission to review the way local government is financed. This should not only look at the regressive and ineffective taxation system, but the length of the settlements and the timeframes in which the sector receives them.

“The Secretary of State said the aim of this settlement is to provide stability with a view to working with others to assess local authority needs and resources – and we stand ready to assist with this important piece of work.”