‘This Latest Settlement Delivers The Smallest Increase In The Council’s Spending Power Since 2021, Almost All Of Which Will Be Wiped Out By The Labour Chancellor’s National Insurance Hike.’

Hornchurch and Upminster MP-Julia Lopez has been instrumental in the receiving of the latest Exceptional Funding Support for Havering Council.

Mrs Lopez has worked behind the scenes to to achieve the necessary loan to keen Havering Council’s finances afloat.

Mrs Lopez told the Havering Daily:

“Havering residents need and deserve a Council that can provide vital local services, so I am glad Havering’s request for Exceptional Funding Support has been granted. This follows a meeting I arranged between the Council’s leadership and government minister, Baroness Taylor.

“But this is only a short term measure, so I continue the push for a fundamental review of the funding formula to benefit residents. Havering’s challenges are caused, fundamentally, by the failure of central government of all colours to take into account the borough’s growing population. But this latest settlement delivers the smallest increase in the Council’s spending power since 2021, almost all of which will be wiped out by the Labour Chancellor’s National Insurance hike – a measure I have argued passionately against in parliament.”

Keith Prince-Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, has also welcomed the announcement of £88 million in exceptional financial support for Havering Council, following successful negotiations between local representatives and government ministers.

The funding package, announced by Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, will help ensure the continued delivery of vital public services across Havering and protect community assets in the borough.

The successful outcome follows extensive work by Julia Lopez MP, who arranged crucial meetings between council leaders and government ministers to highlight Havering’s urgent funding needs, and secure the funds to safeguard the delivery of council services.

Mr Prince told the Havering Daily:

“This £88 million support package is fantastic news for Havering residents. It demonstrates that local politicians working together can deliver real results for our community when we put local interests above all else.

I want to particularly thank Julia Lopez MP for her tireless work behind the scenes, arranging vital meetings between council leaders and ministers to ensure Havering’s voice was heard by the highest levels of government, cross-party.

This funding will help protect essential local services and support our community through challenging times. It shows that the government understands the pressures facing local authorities and is willing to step in with practical support.

The Minister’s commitment to a partnership approach, rather than punishment, is especially welcome. This collaborative spirit is exactly what we need to ensure sustainable local government finances and protect vital services for our residents.”

The funding forms part of a wider package of exceptional financial support for councils across England, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting local authorities facing financial pressures.

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