Local Authorities Inflation 2023-06-05
2023-06-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Local authorities face significant budgetary pressures due to inflation, impacting their ability to provide services.
What steps are being taken to help local authorities with the financial challenges caused by inflation? Local authorities' revenue funding from central government has been drastically reduced since 2010 and levelling-up funds do not replace grant funding as they are capital, not revenue. Will the latest finance settlement worsen regional inequalities?
Absolutely not.
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Assessment & feedback
Admitted that the settlement does not address inequality issues directly
Absolutely Not
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local councils have a core duty to manage potholes, and some are failing in this task. One specific example is Barnet Council.
Given that local authorities should be addressing the issue of potholes, what advice can the Minister give to councils like Barnet which are struggling with this responsibility?
Local councils must focus on basics such as pothole repair. The Chancellor recently announced additional funding to ensure that potholes are filled.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific advice for Barnet Council beyond general statements
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
High levels of child poverty exist, with many in working households. The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated this issue.
With 4.2 million children living in poverty and a third of them in the West Midlands and one fifth in the North East, how will local authorities receive support to tackle rising child poverty? Is the decision to fund only one quarter of deprived areas through levelling-up funding contributing to these high levels of child poverty?
The Government offers substantial support to those in need, including welfare measures and policies that ensure work pays. The best way out of poverty is through employment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific support for local authorities or the impact of levelling-up funding on child poverty
Response accuracy