Harold Hill councillor addresses local government underfunding at Labour Party Conference.

The issue of local government underfunding and how that affects Havering residents was highlighted by Councillor Mandy Anderson, Deputy Leader of Havering Labour Group who addressed the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

Speaking to a motion shared by other local authorities, the shameful decimation of public services by the previous government was laid bare.

“By continuing to apply an outdated funding formula that does not reflect the changing demographic and needs of our residents, the burden is placed on Council Tax payers seeing increases in charges while suffering reductions in services.

We are aware that Havering is not the only Local Authority in a precarious financial position. Considerations and changes that are needed for us have to also be applied across the country. While we understand the Labour Government we worked so hard to achieve will not be able to write blank cheques, there are concrete steps that can be taken to help Local Authorities gain sustainable control over their future, for the benefit of all our residents.

The age of the population of Havering has shifted over the last generation. Long held to be a borough of older people, Havering has a fast-growing younger population too. Alongside Adult Social Care, which is increasing in complexity and cost every year, there is a growing pressure on Children’s Social Care, SEND support and Home to School Transport. 70% of our budget covers social care costs, 30% is left for everything else.

We urge our Government to ensure fair funding for local government, rebuild our vital public services, support our young people and let that change begin now.”

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