APSE response to the local government funding announcement

The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), experts in local council frontline services, has responded to the announcements made by Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove MP. Speaking about the new funding, Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive, said:

“Whilst many will welcome the additional support package of £500 million to be added to the Social Care Grant, the additional £100 million will not significantly change the remaining pressures on frontline local services. APSE welcomes changes to the funding guarantee of 3% to 4%. However, our member councils are still experiencing exceptional times in local government finance, including the ongoing pressures on adult and children's services, homelessness and asylum support, alongside the squeeze that these pressures place on all other frontline services.

Baines added:

“What we are seeing is yet another sticking plaster on a gaping wound. Local government needs radical and meaningful financial reforms that will allow transformational change at a local level and secure long-term financial stability.”

Ends

• The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a network of over 250 UK local councils. Owned by its members and, working on their behalf, APSE maintains and develops a network of local government officers, managers and councillors from local authorities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
• APSE campaigns for support to local authority frontline services and for fair funding to local government.
• For press enquiries, please contact Matt Ellis on [email protected]