APSE's response to the General Election 2024 announcement

“It has been clear for some time that a General Election is the right thing to do with so many issues impacting on public policy. APSE would call upon all political parties, and candidates, to ensure that any democratic process of election is threaded by decency and respect in the conduct of public debate. As our research shows, toxic discourse has a corresponding toxic impact upon democracy in a number of ways. 

“We await with interest the detailed offering from across the political spectrum on their intentions towards local government. With multiple crises in overall council funding, housing and homelessness, adult care and children's services, as well as the palpable indifference shown to realistically funding neighbourhood level frontline services such as roads, leisure services, refuse and recycling, parks, public realm and school meals, to name just a few, we look forward to commitments across the political spectrum to re-evaluate the contribution that these services make to the wellbeing of our citizens and to local economies. APSE would like to see a thorough resource review to ensure these vital frontline services enjoy a resilient and sustainable future.”

Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive