‘I fear all Councils will be low down in a future Government’s priorities but we live in hope.’

What we will this General Election result bring for local councils? Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Graham Williamson today writes in the Havering Daily.

Whether bored or enthused by the forthcoming General Election, the press, TV and, increasingly social media will spend up to the next month highlighting and promoting those parties and individuals hoping to get elected. 

‘NO SKIN IN THE GAME’

Havering’s Resident’s Association does not however have any skin in the game being focused on the health and prosperity of Havering rather than that of the whole nation and thus don’t get involved in national politics e.g. by standing GE candidates. In turn of course we believe that local Council’s should only be run by local parties rather than national ones because the latter concerns itself with national policies and party loyalties. 

Of course, whoever wins the General Election and forms the future Government will have an impact upon Council’s as they rely heavily upon Government funding to help deliver the services Council’s are expected to deliver. Such grants have been shrinking over the years under all Governments which has left many struggling to ‘balance their books’. This was the reason Havering had to borrow monies this year simply to avoid ‘bankruptcy’.

SOLUTIONS?

As it stands we look forward to what the parties are offering a solution to avoid Council’s falling over from ever increasing demands upon our limited finances. I fear we, indeed all Councils, will be low down in a future Government priorities but we live in hope. Personally I believe Social Services (accounting for over 75% of our budget) should be funded by National Insurance contributions. Whomever takes the reigns in July and whatever they propose, if not tackled head on many Councils will indeed go ‘bankrupt’ and have Government Commissioners imposed upon them. We can only hope.

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