Chris Plumley, Partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) comments: "The Future funding outlook for councils 2019/20 report shows us that very difficult times still lie ahead for local government. Councils up and down the country responded brilliantly to the challenges placed at their doors by the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review. There were huge reorganisational and cultural changes and that led to a lot of uncertainty for officers, leaders and contractors alike.
"Where we are now is another junction, where councils are being asked to become more like self-financing businesses. Clearly there is still a lot more to be done, which is why Councils are now looking to make greater use of their asset portfolios, regenerate their town centres with private sector engagement, do more to create social businesses and engage in ways they have never had to do before. There is also a whole raft of new housing initiatives planned. Councils can be at the heart of a new wave of community-based economic regeneration. The Government just has to be careful not to undo all of that momentum by withdrawing the funding and skills necessary to make that change happen."
Chris will be joined by ACS partner Mark Cook, at next week's LGA conference, where the LGA will launch a separate report setting out detailed Spending Review proposals for the Government to ensure local services survive the next few years.
For more information about the report, please visit the LGA website and for more information about Anthony Collins Solicitors, and our work with local government, please contact Chris Plumley or Mark Cook.
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