Four local government associations are urging the UK Government to bridge the growing funding gap facing councils.
The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) said that due to reduced public spending and rising service demands, many local authorities are “on the brink of collapse.”
ADEPT said many councils may be unable to meet communities’ needs because of “critical funding challenges.”
Alongside ADEPT the other associations are the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH).
They are membership associations that represent senior leaders in place services, children’s services, adult social services, and public health.
Local government knows its people and places best and is able to deliver on priorities.
Ahead of the budget announcement next week, the associations are calling for a fundamental review of local government funding.
The associations are also asking for the introduction of multi-year funding settlements, the removal of siloed and short-term funding streams, and clarity on the future of a wide range of fixed-term funding pots.
Ann Carruthers, President of ADEPT, commented: “Local authorities are integral to addressing national priorities such as climate change, economic growth, social equality and public health.
“Local government knows its people and places best and is able to deliver on priorities, but this can’t be done without addressing the cliff edge we now face and really investing in public services going forward.
“Together with our association partners, we are urging the government to address the critical funding challenges facing local authorities – we need a funding model that allows us to plan long-term, sustainable solutions for our communities and the environment.”
