Before the mini-Budget, the LGA had calculated a £2.4 billion shortfall in our council budgets from next May.
Borrowing to give tax cuts clearly makes a bad situation worse, as inflation, rising interest rates, and higher wages add to our deficit and to the demands on our services.
In response, the Green Party’s leaders and speakers gave inspiring and powerful speeches at their vibrant conference, that I supported on behalf of the LGA’s Independent Group.
I hosted an event and joined councillor discussions, led by our LGA peer, exploring ways to be ever more effective.
Councillors raised concerns about the Government’s investment zones, loss of planning control, caps on council rents (which are already non-profit-making) and a ‘war on nature’ to deliver unreasonable developments.
As first was going to press, I was looking forward to supporting Plaid Cymru councillors at their conference in Llandudno.
Being half Welsh myself, with a grandfather who was a ‘fire and brimstone’ minister, I am looking forward to some excellent speeches and exciting discussions.
“Borrowing to give tax cuts clearly makes a bad situation worse”
They say the “extremist mini-Budget has caused a £4 billion-sized black hole in Wales’ three-year funding settlement”.
Meanwhile public services are already creaking under the strain. And they have some solutions.
The Independent Group conference for all our members is on 28 October at the LGA’s London office. It is always well attended, focusing on what councils can do. Please do join us. See www.local.gov.uk/events to book your free place or email [email protected]
Huge thanks to all our councillors who continue to do so much in our communities.