Council investments ‘pose risk’
Some councils have exposed themselves to commercial investments that risk cuts in local services and a big bill for local taxpayers, according to the Commons’ Public Accounts Committee.
finance
EU money ‘going unspent’
More than £730 million in vital EU cash – which could help local communities bounce back from COVID-19 – risks going unspent and being sent back to Brussels if the funding is not allocated by the Government before the end of the year, the LGA has warned.
Getting finances on track
The Government’s funding package for councils offers some positive measures and recognises the pressures they are facing, but more is needed.
The cost of coronavirus
Further funding and financial flexibilities are needed to avoid in-year cuts to vital local services during the pandemic.
Councils ‘need four times more funding’
Local government faces “unsustainable” financial pressures as the sector continues to lead efforts to beat the coronavirus pandemic, the LGA has warned.
More funding for councils
Councils in England will receive a further £1.6 billion for their response to the coronavirus, taking total funding from government for the pandemic to more than £3.2 billion.
Councils ‘helping firms access funding’
Councils have been working ‘at pace’ to identify and contact eligible businesses to support them to apply for government funding since 1 April, and continue to distribute the cash as quickly as possible.
Budget unveiled
An extra £30 billion of public spending was announced in last month’s Budget – much of it aimed at local priorities including homes, roads, digital connectivity, flood resilience and devolution.
Commercial investments ‘to generate income’
Some local authorities in England have invested an estimated £6.6 billion in buying commercial property over the past three years, mostly with the aim of generating a financial return, according to the National Audit Office.
Budget 2020
Based on feedback from councils, the LGA’s Budget submission focuses on getting the right funding to improve services and people’s lives through public service reform.