This week, Parliament approved a funding settlement for English local authorities that will see a real terms increase in available resources over the next two years and give local authorities access to over £200 million to deliver the high-quality services their local communities need.
The settlement gives councils additional financial freedoms to deliver services for their most vulnerable residents while protecting council tax payers from excessive increases in their bills. For the coming financial year (2018/2019), South Gloucestershire will have Core Spending Power of £191 million, an increase of £3.2 million or 1.7%.
Following representations from local government and Members of Parliament on the provisional funding plans announced in December, a further £150 million will also be available to those councils providing Adult Social Care.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid said:
“Parliament has today approved a settlement that strikes a balance between relieving growing pressure on local government whilst ensuring that hard-pressed taxpayers do not face excessive bills. We have listened to representations made and delivered on these requests: two years of real terms increases in resources, more freedom and fairness, and greater certainty to plan and secure value for money.”