Local government has been steadily squeezed by austerity, inflation and centralisation over the years.
Limited funding streams come with conditions and ring-fences, and time-wasting and expensive bidding processes.
In our cities and towns, there are buildings hinting at a more prosperous past for local government. The symbolism continuously reminds us – local government used to do stuff, communities used to have pride in their councils.
“In the aftermath of the party conferences, we need to ask where were the debates about the future funding of council services?”
Today, councils are in the worst crisis since the foundation stones of these buildings were laid.
Councils are facing a collective multi-billion pound spending gap in their finances – up to £4 billion, the LGA estimates – as the impact from a massive cut in central government funding since 2010 collides with stubbornly high inflation and pressure on services from an ageing population, and demands on children’s services.
We have seen billions worth of public assets flogged to help plug holes in council budgets, which will come back to haunt us.
In the aftermath of the party conferences, we need to ask where were the serious debates about the future funding of council services – tackling the social care crisis, reforming business rates to support growth and job creation, community-led devolution not dictated by Whitehall?
We don’t need lip service.
Now is the time for the LGA to up the ante and push our political parties to address these issues as manifestos are firmed up ahead of the next General Election.
There is no better time for the LGA’s Make It Local campaign.