Following October’s Budget, we knew that local government finances were in an uncertain state. The Government set out its intentions to increase spending power by £3.7 billion, funded by £1.3 billion of grants. This left the glaring £2.4 billion blackhole that we simply couldn’t ignore.
I know from my own time in local government that financial uncertainty at this late stage of the year is unwelcome for councils looking to finalise their budgets. To determine the facts, I tabled a series of written questions over the last month pushing Ministers on this point. I was told to wait for the Local Government Finance Settlement, a point that the Prime Minister repeated in Prime Minister’s Questions when asked about it.
I was disappointed to learn that the Prime Minister’s spokesperson then decided to announce this critical policy via the press. This undermines the role of Parliament and is considered discourteous to MPs who represent their constituents.
The Speaker, therefore granted me an Urgent Question, allowing myself and MPs to scrutinise Ministers and establish the facts of the matter.
What became evident, is that the Government expect to raise the additional funding through increasing council tax. This directly breaks a Labour party to freeze council tax. The 5% hike will add additional pressure to my residents, and I expect both Hillingdon and Harrow to ensure value for taxpayers.
You can watch this Urgent Question here.
