Cash-Strapped Councils Demand Emergency Funds
County councils in the UK are facing a financial crisis, with one in ten at risk of going bust. Local authorities are demanding emergency funds to protect crucial services for children and ensure the continuation of bin collections.
Soaring Inflation and Increased Demand for Children's Services
The financial strain on county councils is due to a combination of soaring inflation and a surge in demand for children's services. Historically high overspends have led to a budget shortfall of over £600 million, with children's care needs accounting for nearly half of the extra spending.
Bin Collections Also at Risk
Without an urgent cash injection, bin collections across the country face significant threats. The County Councils Network warns that by 2026, councils in England will face a funding gap of £4 billion.
Uncertainty for "Well-Managed" Councils
Even councils that are considered to be well-managed are unsure or not confident that they can balance their books this year. Despite already planning for savings and service cuts of over £2 billion, overspending and future funding shortfalls are still a concern.
Call for Emergency Funding for Vulnerable Children
Cllr Barry Lewis, Vice Chair and Finance Spokesperson of the County Councils Network, emphasizes the urgent need for emergency funding to support vulnerable children. He highlights the significant rise in the number of children requiring care post-pandemic, along with inflation and the broken provider market in statutory care placements.
County authorities are committed to reducing costs and have planned for an additional £2 billion in savings. However, after years of continuous cutbacks, the scale of reductions and reliance on reserves is unsustainable. The councilors are calling for the government to prioritize emergency funding for vulnerable children, similar to the support provided for adult social care last year.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/matt-hancock-accused-of-promising-non-existent-covid-plan-while-boris-mocked-italians/
