The next government has been urged to commit to a “significant and sustained” funding boost to stop more local councils going bust and protect essential frontline services. Leaders in the North East have backed calls from the Local Government Association (LGA) pleading with all political parties to act on a predicted £6.2 billion financial black hole facing town halls across England.
In a new white paper published today, the LGA pleads with whoever wins the general election on July 4 to launch an urgent review into public service reform and deliver far greater certainty that prevents cash-strapped local authorities making further cuts to services like leisure centres, bin collections, and road repairs. A number of councils, including Birmingham, has been forced to effectively declare bankruptcy already after reductions in government funding, spiralling demand for services like adult social care, and increasing costs. The leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon, warned that the existing funding model for councils is “completely broken”.
Read More: Newcastle Clean Air Zone's unpaid fines total £2.6 million as 'significant' penalties rack up Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter His authority has cut its spending by £191 million since 2010 and faces a further £50 million shortfall over the next five years, which has sparked controversial decisions such as the closure of leisure centres and un.
