The Local Government Finance Settlement has finally been published after much delay. This Government is looking to burden local authorities with higher bills, weighing them down with increasing direct costs and statutory duties that are largely out of their control.
Local authorities spend around £40 billion of taxpayer’s money, with each council delivering over 800 services. Each one of my constituents will be touched by the wide range of services being provided by our local councils, Hillingdon and Harrow. We are lucky to be covered by these two excellent councils who have a proven track record of delivery for local residents while keeping bills to a minimum. I am worried that this new settlement will punish both councils and see costs on taxpayers rise.
Responding on behalf of His Majesty’s Opposition, I raised the real concerns of local authorities directly with Ministers. You can see my full remarks here.
