‘Outlook remains bleak’ for council services in Wales
The Welsh LGA has warned of “extremely turbulent times ahead” for local services in Wales, after councils were awarded a 3.1 per cent increase in core revenue funding in 2024/25.
finance
Effective financial management
Over the past two months, I have had the privilege of chairing a number of roundtable discussions with senior officers to discuss LGA-commissioned research into councils with experience of finance and governance challenges.
Autumn Statement to ‘stimulate growth’
The Government announced a suite of measures primarily aimed at increasing economic productivity and boosting investment by businesses in November’s Autumn Statement.
£1bn announced for levelling up
New levelling up funding of £1 billion has been awarded to 55 projects across the UK, to develop better transport links and kick-start regeneration in town centres.
‘Inflationary storm’ adds to £4bn funding gap
Councils in England face a funding gap of £4 billion over the next two years – a £1 billion increase since the LGA’s initial analysis in July.
‘Extraordinary intervention’ needed on audit delays
Only five out of 467 local government bodies had published their 2022/23 accounts with an auditor’s certificate or opinion by the end of September.
£1.1 billion long-term plan for ‘overlooked’ towns
More than 50 ‘overlooked’ UK towns will each be given £20 million over a 10-year period to help regenerate high streets and tackle antisocial behaviour, the Government has announced.
Providing local value for money
Dealing with the budgetary and financial pressures facing councils continues to dominate the focus of the LGA and our teams, ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November.