Commenting on the provisional local government finance settlement for 2025-26 published today (Wednesday), UNISON head of local government Mike Short said:
“Ministers’ acknowledgement that council finances are in ‘crisis’ shows they understand the scale of the problem. Many authorities face effective bankruptcy, putting essential services and jobs at risk.
“This year’s settlement is a first step to tackling almost a decade and a half of austerity, with vital boosts for social care and homelessness. But with soaring costs, this must be the beginning of sustained, long-term investment in local government, its workers and communities.
“Councils face a financial headache, with UNISON research showing they have a funding gap of £3.4bn in England next year. While this settlement will help alleviate some shortfalls, it’s still just a sticking plaster.
“What’s really needed is a fair funding system that delivers long-term financial stability across all council services.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article Council finance boost must be the start of a long-term investment plan first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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