I found Michael Emmerich's policy feature (LGC, 6 August) somewhat disappointing in its view of the Local Governmen...
I found Michael Emmerich's policy feature (LGC, 6 August) somewhat disappointing in its view of the Local Government Association's response to the 2004 spending review.
Notwithstanding the potential changes in education funding that may be imposed, the fact remains that even after efficiencies are made and services reviewed, there are inadequate resources to deliver the improvements desired in local priority services.
While accepting the government's figure of a 6.7% increase in council tax is reflective of the assumptions at a national level, his arguing the technicalities of the figure does little to improve clarity for those who will pay it.
It is disingenuous for government ministers to argue for average council tax rises of 3% when their own planning assumptions assume a national increase of twice that figure.
The desire for low council tax increases remains the goal of all but beyond the reach of most, while at the same time service pressures continue to increase; education and social services resources are effectively ring-fenced; and the environmental, protective and cultural services block continues to be treated as a poor relation.
Phil Coppard
Chief executive, Barnsley MBC
You might also like...
Environment watchdog to 'hold public bodies to account'
Environment secretary Michael Gove has launched draft legislation to set up an independent environmental watchdog which will “hold government and public bodies to account” after Brexit, including scrutinising new targets on waste.
Met and district face intervention over local plans failure
Wirral MBC is to face government intervention over its “lamentable” failure to draw up a local housing plan.
Porter defends high street clean up cash
Local Government Association chair Lord Porter has defended the MInistry for Housing, Communities & Local Government over its high street clean-up fund, after it was criticised for coming with what many senior council officers view as unreasonable strings attached.
'Misogyny is a significant issue' – warning as chiefs recount abuse
Wigan’s Donna Hall is among chiefs to speak out as calls grow for councils to gain greater powers to sanction members who bully officers or residents
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.