Context
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2026-27 was announced, impacting Greater Manchester. The funding follows years of austerity cuts under the previous Conservative government.
Question
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the provisional local government finance settlement 2026-27 on Greater Manchester? Fourteen years of Tory austerity saw harsh cuts to local government finances, which left our public services on their knees. This latest funding settlement by the Labour Government goes a long way to right the wrongs of the Tories, and to help local authorities deliver quality services for our constituents once again. I thank the Secretary of State for giving Manchester city council a £331 million cash injection, but does the Minister recognise that the council still faces huge pressure to meet needs, including those related to social services and education?
Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
We can provide substantial increases to councils, as we need to, and it is very important that we do in places like Manchester. However, unless we have a more preventive approach—for example, unless we stop children being taken into care, or stop councils facing really big challenges—councils will still face spiking costs. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend and colleagues across Greater Manchester on making this work.
Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged the ongoing pressures but did not provide specific solutions or commitments beyond a preventive approach.
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