Government set to announce increase in funding for local councils. But will Havering Council get its fair share?
Local Councillors discuss the impending Government increase in funding to local councils and if it will be enough to remove Havering out of the red zone.
This week, the government is set to announce a 6.5% increase in funding to local councils across the country. Many councils have already made it clear that they are on the verge of bankruptcy and issuing a 114 notice that sees them officially declare bankruptcy.
Councillors already fear that despite the increase in funding, the target will still fall significantly short of what is realistically required to help these councils survive.
South Hornchurch Councillor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Graham Williamson, told the Havering Daily: “We believe it will once again be insufficient for us. Havering gets worse than most other councils. It sounds disappointing and in theory, does not look good for us as a borough.
“We are hoping that the government understand our needs and treat us fairly.”
Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham and Rainham-Margaret Mullane told the Havering Daily:
“This week the Government has the chance to repair some of the damage it has inflicted on local authorities across England since they came to power in 2010. Under the Tories, support to councils has been slashed by well over £4 billion leaving services in tatters. In Havering and Barking and Dagenham alone this has meant a loss of around £120 million which has resulted in cuts to vital services and higher Council Tax. Jon Cruddas MP raised this in Parliament earlier this month.
The Government should introduce a Fair Funding system that allocates council grants on the basis of population change and levels of need. If that were to happen this week the threat to services such as school transport for children with disabilities in Havering would be lifted. Whilst that’s my hope, unfortunately it’s not my expectation. Only a change of government will fix the broken funding system which is hanging local councils out to dry.”
Havering Conservative leader-Councillor Keith Prince told the Havering Daily:
“It is good news that the government has recognised the need for more funding for local councils. However, we need to wait and see how much is given and most importantly, how it is distributed. We hope Havering and its problems will be recognised when this funding is distributed.”
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