Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Funding: Local Authorities

Monday 22 April 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government funding for local authorities is assessed continuously.
  • 7 billion is available for local government this financial year, a 7.5% increase.
  • Local councils are thanked for their efforts in making communities more pleasant to live in.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Local Government Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the adequacy of government funding allocated to local authorities, particularly in her constituency where significant budget cuts are expected.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of Government funding allocated to local authorities? Shropshire Council faces £50 million in cuts this year and potential £60 million next year. There is concern over recycling centre closures and increased fly-tipping due to lack of funding. Does the Minister agree rural councils are at risk of delivering only statutory services?

Answer from Simon Hoare

We make continuous assessment with regard to funding adequacy. £64.7 billion is available for local government this financial year, a 7.5% increase. Shropshire Council received £8.9 million extra through the rural services delivery grant. Rural councils do not have to reduce to statutory services alone; they are vibrant and committed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specifically address whether he would consider adjusting funding allocation for rural areas as requested.

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Q2 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Context

The MP wants to thank and pay tribute to unsung heroes in her community who give up their time to help local people.

Question

Will the Minister join me in thanking and paying tribute to the unsung heroes in our communities across the country?

Answer from Simon Hoare

My hon. Friend is absolutely right; I thank them unreservedly for making places more pleasant to live by working alongside councils and other bodies.

Answered
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Q3 Andrea Jenkyns Con
Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of funding cuts on local councils, specifically mentioning an instance where a planning committee was advised to allow a development due to lack of financial resources.

Question

Funding cuts are adding pressure on local government. Warwick District Council had an application last week that the planning committee was essentially advised to allow because of fear of lacking the financial resources to contest it. Should we be concerned about this issue nationally?

Answer from Simon Hoare

Each planning authority has a quasi-judicial role. The 7.5% cash-terms increase for local government this year is a significant boost, contrary to the hon. Gentleman's 'eccentric' definition of cuts.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether there should be concern over developers having substantial funds and councils lacking resources to contest them.

How: Deflecting By Questioning The Hon. Gentleman'S Understanding

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Q4 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned that Maldon District Council, which was allocated £5 million in levelling-up funding, must spend it on cultural projects despite a local plan to close St Peter's Hospital. She seeks an urgent review of the representations.

Question

Ministers are aware that Maldon District Council received £5 million of levelling-up funding, but this must be spent on cultural projects. The council and I want the money to be spent on health and wellbeing as per our local plan for St Peter's Hospital closure. Will Ministers urgently review all representations?

Answer from Simon Hoare

My hon. Friend makes a powerful point; the Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is aware of the issue and will be happy to meet her in quick time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specifics on when or how this review would take place as requested.

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Q5 Priti Patel Con Witham
Housing Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the pattern of Tory-led councils increasing council tax bills significantly since coming to power, while Labour counterparts charge less.

Question

Working people are paying the price of the cost of living crisis. Council tax bills have rocketed by almost £500 since Tories came to power; Conservative councils charge residents almost £280 more than their Labour counterparts. Do voters forget this council tax bombshell? Or will candidates ditch the toxic Tory brand?

Answer from Simon Hoare

The hon. Gentleman wins first prize in the brass neck competition; Conservative-led councils are more efficient and deliver better for residents.

How: Criticising The Mp'S Approach

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