Queen provides little Christmas cheer for local councils

APSE has responded to today’s Queen’s speech suggesting that it offers little Christmas cheer to local councils.

Whilst announcing a programme for Government which not unsurprisingly focused on Brexit, Justice and promises of many reviews and consultations, the lack of any specific reference to local government is both disappointing and short-sighted.

The issues of the NHS and social care will not be resolved without proper funding of local councils. There are also big questions as to how action on climate change can be achieved without councils being a fundamental part of the solution, including housing, infrastructure investment, transport and strategic use of public realm.

Paul O’Brien, APSE Chief Executive said “This is a Christmas pudding short of the silver sixpence. The promise of a feast is tantalising but we have yet to see the funding for local councils pledged in the same way that we are seeing for the NHS.

“Local government is much more than the delivery arm of Westminster politics and we need to be assured that we will not be the part of the public sector spending round that Santa Claus forgot."

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APSE is the Association for Public Service Excellence working with over 300 local councils across the UK and operating on a not-for-profit basis.

APSE’s analysis of the Conservative Government Manifesto policy commitment and how these relate to local councils can be found here.

To arrange for interview or further comment contact Mo Baines on [email protected]