PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Local government services (6 February 2024)

That this House notes with concern that the funding provided in the 2024/25 Local Government Finance Settlement has decreased by over £5,575 million since 2016 in real terms; understands that councils are facing a funding gap of £4bn over the next three years; notes that the 2024/25 Settlement reduces the Services Grant by £406 million despite councils already being forced to make cuts to local services such as closing libraries and leisure centres; further notes that the Settlement fails to recognise the unprecedented levels of inflation and demand for services which has driven up council outgoings; understands that in order to pass balanced budgets many councils will be forced to charge higher council tax for reduced services; is concerned that almost one in five council leaders in England say they are likely to issue a S114 notice in the next 15 months; and urges the Government to provide adequate funding to local government to ensure councils have the means to deliver both statutory services and economic and cultural enrichment for their residents.

Sponsored by:
Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat)