The publication of the local government finance settlement, due to take place tomorrow, has been delayed until after MPs have held a meaningful vote on Brexit next week.
Housing and communities secretary James Brokenshire made the announcement in a written ministerial statement this afternoon.
LGC previously reported how local government minister Rishi Sunak had announced the settlement would be published on 6 December.
Mr Brokenshire said: “This confirmation was made prior to the scheduling of the meaningful vote [on 11 December].
“I recognise that my parliamentary colleagues will wish to engage thoroughly in these debates and will also wish to consider the proposed local government finance settlement for 2019-20. I have therefore decided to announce the provisional local government finance settlement after this protected period, by way of an oral statement.
“I can confirm that the usual period for making representations on the provisional local government finance settlement will not be truncated as a result.”
Responding to the announcement Lord Porter (Con), chair of the Local Government Association, said: “It is a shame that the Brexit debate has become a distraction from the pressures facing local government.
“We hope the government uses this delay to ensure the settlement provides the resources needed for our local services.”
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