Dean Russell welcomed the UK Government's announcement of £600 million into England’s local authorities. Half a billion pounds will also be given to councils responsible for both adult and children's social care, distributed through the Social Care Grant.
The additional funding represents a significant commitment to supporting local government, resulting in a considerable increase in core spending power. In 2025, local government in England is set to experience a 7.5% cash term rise, amounting to £4.5 billion, from £60.2 billion in 2023/24 to £64.7 billion in 2024/25.
The Government’s clear plan is to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt. By doing this, they can provide the additional funding to councils who can then continue to provide essential services for their residents.
The Government recognises that the whole sector is facing pressures and is supporting every tier of government to enable them to deliver the services that constituents rely on and need. Councils will see their core spending power increase by a minimum of 4% before they have taken any local decisions in council tax. There is an increase from the 3% funding guarantee that was proposed in the provisional settlement.
During the consultation period, Dean engaged with Ministers to ensure that the views of his local area were heard loud and clear. The additional funding is very welcome, and will assist councils in continuing to provide essential social care services for their local areas, particularly children and vulnerable adults.
Richard Roberts, Hertfordshire Council Leader said, ‘This is fantastic news, and is so helpful. Dean has been incredibly helpful in putting forward our case and I thank him and his colleagues for supporting Hertfordshire in continuing to deliver our vital services. This additional money will support vulnerable children and adults, and is an absolute lifeline in difficult financial circumstances’.
Dean commented, ‘I was pleased to talk to government ministers on behalf of local councils and to help secure the additional funding for my region. This new funding stream will make such a difference, and will help the council to continue providing excellent services, many to our most vulnerable residents’.
