Changing lives for the better is the essence of local government.
The hard work of councils, whether it’s by councillors or staff on the ground delivering public services, undoubtedly improves lives.
Every day I am reminded of this in my conversations with every person I meet.
I have been continually impressed by those who work in local government, as they continue to deliver quality services with high satisfaction reported from residents.
But I am under no illusion about the pressures they face, whether it’s challenging finances, shifting demographics or changing demand on services.
Councils are making a difference, and it is right we support them to succeed.
This is why this government has given local authorities in England access to £46.4bn in 2018-19 – a real-terms increase on last year. The settlement included extra funding for local services with a strong focus on supporting some of society’s most vulnerable groups.
'The autumn Budget announced more than £1bn of extra funding for councils, with £650m going to social care in 2018-19. The success of our Troubled Families programme, which helps councils support families with complex needs, shows how integrated working can help.'
The autumn Budget announced more than £1bn of extra funding for councils, with £650m going to social care in 2018-19. The success of our Troubled Families programme, which helps councils support families with complex needs, shows how integrated working can help.
Figures from the programme show the number of children going into care is down by a third, the number of children going to prison is down by a quarter and the number of juveniles in custody is also down by a third. This is a tribute to the efforts of family workers, local authorities and partners all working together – above all, giving people control of their lives.
We have given local authorities the tools and resources they need to have this impact. Councils called for more control over the money they raise and we listened. Increased business rates retention has seen local authorities estimate that they will retain around £2.5bn in 2019-20 under the current system.
This is on top of core settlement funding. Of course, this year marks a key moment for local government.
Our new fairer funding formula will bring a clearer link between local needs and resources and the funding councils receive.
The Spending Review gives us the opportunity to take a longer view of how we fund councils into the future and we will be making a compelling case to the Treasury. I am determined to see a stronger, sustainable future for local government.
Councils should have the freedoms and flexibilities they need to flourish and, ultimately, feel empowered to change lives for the better.
James Brokenshire is speaking at the CIPFA annual conference in Birmingham next week.
