News
SIGOMA Chair welcomes provisional settlement
Posted on December 18, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said the finance settlement would "provide welcome relief to the most deprived areas after a decade of disproportionate cuts and increases in demand"
The Government is serious about trying to fix funding
Posted on December 02, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton responded to the policy statement in the MJ.
SIGOMA Chair responds to policy statement
Posted on November 28, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed the policy statement as an "important first step in resetting the relationship between funding and need".
SIGOMA parliamentary group re-launched
Posted on November 27, 2024
The SIGOMA MPs group met in Parliament yesterday to discuss how to secure fairer funding for SIGOMA members.
SIGOMA express concern about national insurance cost for councils
Posted on November 13, 2024
The Local Government Chronicle covered concerns from across the sector about the potential financial impact for local authorities.
SIGOMA Chair calls for clarity on Household Support Fund allocations
Posted on November 06, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said SIGOMA members were keen to work with the government to develop a long-term solution for welfare support.
SIGOMA chair responds to Adass survey
Posted on November 06, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that social care needed more funding despite increases in the budget
SIGOMA Chair responds to Budget
Posted on October 30, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed the new focus on deprivation and need in local government funding distribution.
All eyes on the Budget
Posted on October 18, 2024
Writing in the MJ, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton wrote about the hope for some certainty for local government in the upcoming Budget.
SIGOMA backs joint letter to the Chancellor
Posted on October 10, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, SIGOMA Chair, co-signed the letter alongside other sector groups to detail the measures needed to reform the local government funding system.
Local leadership is the solution
Posted on October 04, 2024
Writing in the MJ, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said that local government stand ready to help the Government rebuild public services.
SIGOMA warns government of financial failure risk
Posted on September 27, 2024
SIGOMA wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister to call for urgent action to stabilise council finances.
SIGOMA Chair calls for 'full clarity' on Household Support Fund
Posted on August 28, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton also told the Local Government Chronicle that the fund should be made permanent.
How to fix local government finance
Posted on August 06, 2024
Writing in the MJ, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton called for funding to be distributed more fairly and stability to be returned to the system.
SIGOMA Chair warns about winter pressures for social care
Posted on August 03, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned about the risk of a postcode lottery in care provision.
SIGOMA vice-chair on Labour's plan for local government finance
Posted on August 02, 2024
Writing in the Local Government Chronicle, Cllr Graham Chapman called for more funding and re-distribution.
SIGOMA Chair responds to social care charging reform announcement
Posted on August 01, 2024
SIGOMA Chair speaks at LGiU Summit
Posted on July 24, 2024
The next government will have to fix the broken finance system
Posted on July 03, 2024
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton called for the next government to introduce major reforms to the local government finance system.
SIGOMA co-sign adult social care statement
Posted on June 24, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, SIGOMA Chair, put his name to an important statement about the future of adult social care.
SIGOMA launch Chief Executive Group
Posted on June 14, 2024
New Chief Executive Group will provide a high-level voice promoting the interests of SIGOMA members.
SIGOMA Chair responds to UKSPF funding announcement
Posted on May 28, 2024
"Vicious cycle curbs prevention"
Posted on May 21, 2024
SIGOMA Chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, wrote in the MJ about the importance of preventative services
SIGOMA vice-chair warns about further cuts to local government
Posted on April 26, 2024
Cllr Graham Chapman warned the i that increased defence funding implies deeper cuts to local government including social care.
Delicate decisions
Posted on April 25, 2024
In the MJ, Cllr Graham Chapman, SIGOMA vice-chair, writes about how to challenge Treasury orthodoxy
SIGOMA vice-chair criticises levelling up as 'arbitrary'
Posted on April 03, 2024
SIGOMA warns against further cuts to local government spending
Posted on March 12, 2024
Speaking to i News, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, warned that reduction in spending could lead to "public unrest".
SIGOMA Chair responds to Budget
Posted on March 06, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed the extension of the Household Support Fund, but warned that implied cuts to local government would be 'devastating'.
SIGOMA analysis: Find out how much your council's funding has been cut
Posted on March 04, 2024
Our analysis of local government core spending power data shows that the funding levels of local authorities in England are still below 2010-11 levels in real-terms.
SIGOMA Chair responds to exceptional financial support announcement
Posted on March 01, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that while a welcome 'stopgap', the support announced would not provide a long-term solution.
SIGOMA Chair interviewed for ITV Evening News
Posted on February 29, 2024
SIGOMA Chair talks to FT on exceptional financial support scheme
Posted on February 28, 2024
Speaking to Jennifer Williams, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said the financial support offered was "not sustainable", but cuts had left councils with no choice but to apply.
SIGOMA chair contributes to New Stateman article on how to fix local government finances
Posted on February 26, 2024
SIGOMA calls for the continuation of the Household Support Fund
Posted on February 22, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton wrote to the Chancellor highlighting the importance of the Household Support Fund to SIGOMA members and the vital need to continue the Fund.
SIGOMA chair responds to PM council tax comments
Posted on February 12, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said Rishi Sunak's comments were 'remarkable'.
The gap between the wealthy and the poor will only get wider until local government funding is reformed
Posted on February 06, 2024
Writing in the Yorkshire Post, SIGOMA Chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton called for fundamental reforms of the funding model for local government.
SIGOMA chair responds to Final Settlement and Public Health allocations
Posted on February 06, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that the additional funding would not be sufficient to prevent future cuts.
SIGOMA respond to LUHC report on 'financial distress' in local authorities
Posted on February 05, 2024
SIGOMA vice-chair Cllr Chapman, who had given oral evidence to the committee, welcomed the report.
SIGOMA responds to £600m of new funding for local government
Posted on January 25, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed the additional funding, but warned that it wouldn't address the long-term funding gap of the need for reform of the broken finance model.
SIGOMA chair attends cross-LGA discussion with Minister Hoare
Posted on January 23, 2024
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton was pleased to attend the meeting to discuss the current challenges facing the sector.
SIGOMA warns local government finance settlement undermining 'levelling up'
Posted on January 16, 2024
Our consultation response showed that the unfair elements of the finance settlement and the need for reform.
SIGOMA welcomes Middlesbrough Borough Council to SIGOMA
Posted on January 01, 2024
Middlesbrough Council became the 48th members of SIGOMA in December 2023.
SIGOMA responds to the settlement
Posted on December 19, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, SIGOMA chair, warned that the new funding would not match pressures and council finances would remain on a knife-edge.
SIGOMA calls for urgent action in the provisional local government finance settlement
Posted on December 14, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton wrote to the Prime Minister to highlight the urgent action needed in the upcoming finance settlement to stabilise council finances and prevent a surge of Section 114s.
Meet the Department for Levelling Down
Posted on December 12, 2023
SIGOMA vice-chair, Cllr Graham Chapman, writes in the Municipal Journal that DLUHC have levelled down the country, not up.
SIGOMA responds to Nottingham S114
Posted on November 29, 2023
Chair of SIGOMA, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, responded to the news that Nottingham City Council has declared a Section 114 notice.
SIGOMA responds to the autumn statement
Posted on November 22, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton expressed his disappointment at the lack of additional funding for social care
Spend on children's services doubles in a decade for poorest councils
Posted on November 20, 2023
SIGOMA analysis reveals rapidly rising cost of delivering children's services due to 'broken' market and rising demand.
SIGOMA vice-chair gives evidence at LUHC committee hearing
Posted on November 09, 2023
Cllr Graham Chapman gave evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities committee's new inquiry into 'financial distress' in local authorities.
SIGOMA Chair responds to the King's Speech
Posted on November 08, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton expressed disappointment at the lack of positive announcements at the King's Speech.
SIGOMA and Key Cities write to Sunak to warn members are reaching 'breaking point'
Posted on November 06, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton and Cllr John Merry wrote the Prime Minister in advance of the King's Speech and together in the LGC following the event.
SIGOMA raises fears that government may not cover full impact of RAAC
Posted on September 12, 2023
Concerns have emerged that the government may not cover the full long-term cost of resolving the RAAC issue in schools.
SIGOMA responds to Birmingham's S114 notice
Posted on September 12, 2023
Following Birmingham Council's Section 114 notice, SIGOMA Chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, spoke to the press to discuss the pressures facing local government.
SIGOMA chair - 'Fixing Local Government Funding Must be priority'
Posted on August 31, 2023
Writing in the Yorkshire Post, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, set out why reform to local government funding should underpin "levelling up".
One in ten SIGOMA councils facing Section 114 notice
Posted on August 29, 2023
Survey reveals significant financial pressures across membership
SIGOMA chair responds to comments from the chair of the Levelling Up Advisory Council
Posted on July 19, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton stressed the need for sustainable, sufficient and fair funding in levelling up.
SIGOMA cuts analysis covered by the Financial Times
Posted on July 18, 2023
The Financial Times covered the 'jaws of doom' financial pressure faced by councils in the coming years.
SIGOMA welcome Lisa Nandy to AGM at LGA conference
Posted on July 07, 2023
The Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spoke to assembled SIGOMA leaders on the topics of local government finance, levelling up and devolution.
Make local government funding campaign issue says SIGOMA chair
Posted on July 06, 2023
Writing in Labour List, SIGOMA Chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, argued that reversing council cuts and promising reform of the system would improve electoral chances and truly 'level up' deprived communities.
SIGOMA launch campaign for fairer funding in Parliament
Posted on June 26, 2023
Our parliamentary reception in the House of Lords saw MPs come together to campaign for fairer funding for the most deprived authorities.
SIGOMA survey reveals financial uncertainty of member councils
Posted on June 19, 2023
Uncertainty was found to be caused by inflation and short-term funding arrangements from the government.
The uncertainty principle
Posted on June 15, 2023
SIGOMA cuts analysis receives local coverage across Yorkshire and North East
Posted on May 09, 2023
Newspapers across the region from Sheffield to Newcastle covered our cuts analysis release.
SIGOMA cuts analysis receives local coverage across North West
Posted on May 09, 2023
SIGOMA launches Manifesto
Posted on May 02, 2023
Our manifesto sets out the path to a more sustainable and fairer future for Local Government and the country.
Cash is key to invest in prevention for children's services writes SIGOMA chair
Posted on May 02, 2023
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said that children's services was our member's largest financial pressure and needed the same attention as adult social care.
Liverpool Echo use SIGOMA analysis to highlight 'staggering' cuts to Merseyside councils
Posted on April 28, 2023
SIGOMA calls for home insulation for poorest households to relieve cost-of-living pressures
Posted on April 28, 2023
Our call for action received coverage from a range of trade publications as well as the Evening Standard.
'Poorest councils have faced larger cuts' - Yorkshire Post front page covers SIGOMA analysis
Posted on April 28, 2023
Our cuts analysis was also covered in the Yorkshire Post lead editorial.
Poorest councils have seen 3 times the cuts as richest say SIGOMA
Posted on April 26, 2023
Analysis by the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) revealed that the poorest councils had seen the biggest cuts and that reform of the local government finance system was urgently required.
Austerity 'elephant in room' during budget says SIGOMA chair
Posted on March 20, 2023
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton argued that the failure to halt austerity for local services would mean 'levelling up' had little chance of success.
SIGOMA responds to Spring Budget
Posted on March 15, 2023
SIGOMA chair responds to Public Health allocations
Posted on March 14, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that real-terms cuts went against "levelling up".
Local Government must be central to Labour's 5 Missions
Posted on March 02, 2023
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton explained why a well-funded local government will be central to the success of Labour's 5 Missions.
SIGOMA chair responds to Minister's committee appearance
Posted on February 28, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton set out the need for Council Tax reform.
SIGOMA Chair comments on analysis of levelling up in council funding
Posted on February 16, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton's comments were published across the regional and national press.
MPs debate final local government finance settlement
Posted on February 08, 2023
SIGOMA's analysis of Council Tax was raised during the debate.
SIGOMA Chair co-signs letter calling on extra support for leisure services
Posted on January 30, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton was pleased to sign a joint letter from sector leaders calling on additional support for the leisure sector.
SIGOMA chair makes case for leisure centres
Posted on January 26, 2023
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton argued that the government should provide additional support for vital leisure centres which face closure due to inflationary pressure.
Levelling up suffering an 'identity crisis' says SIGOMA chair
Posted on January 24, 2023
Writing in the Yorkshire Post, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton criticised the second round of the levelling up fund for failing to deliver on reducing regional inequalities.
SIGOMA chair responds to Levelling Up Fund Round 2 announcement
Posted on January 24, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton's response was covered across the local government press.
SIGOMA vice-chair responds to Gordon Brown's devo report
Posted on January 09, 2023
Writing for the Fabian Society, Cllr Chapman argued that the report had "important suggestions for the future of levelling up".
SIGOMA chair talks local government funding on Northern Agenda podcast.
Posted on January 06, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton talked through the impact of austerity, levelling up, local government finance reform and devolution with Rob Parsons host of the Northern Agenda Podcast.
SIGOMA chair expresses disappointment with delays to Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund
Posted on January 05, 2023
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton said the delay was "frustrating" and "potentially putting projects at risk".
SIGOMA chair responds to Gordon Brown's 'Commission on the UK's Future' report
Posted on January 04, 2023
Writing in The Yorkshire Post, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, responded to the 'Commission on the UK's Future' report.
SIGOMA chair says councils "deserve better from the Government"
Posted on December 23, 2022
Writing in The MJ, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, explains why a tough future awaits councils following the provisional settlement.
SIGOMA chair responds to provisional settlement
Posted on December 19, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed new funding, but warned councils face a tough future.
SIGOMA chair responds to the local government finance policy statement
Posted on December 15, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton's response was covered across the local government press.
SIGOMA chair says "levelling up" on "life support"
Posted on December 05, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, explains why levelling up is now on life support following the Autumn Statement.
SIGOMA chair responds to the Autumn Statement
Posted on November 22, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton's response was covered across the local government press and in The Guardian.
SIGOMA analysis reveals how deprived areas will lose out from Council Tax increases
Posted on November 21, 2022
Analysis shared with the Local Government Chronicle and The Observer shows how uneven increases in Council Tax are in different parts of the country.
Poorest local authorities cannot afford to bear the brunt of more austerity
Posted on November 14, 2022
Writing in The Yorkshire Post, SIGOMA chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, warned that the government must not repeat the mistakes of austerity.
Autumn Statement a defining moment for "levelling up"
Posted on November 11, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, SIGOMA chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, set our his asks for the upcoming Autumn Statement.
SIGOMA chair: How Gove can resurrect "levelling up"
Posted on November 02, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, sets our 3 key ways the new Secretary of State can restart the "levelling up" agenda.
SIGOMA chair welcomes rumoured delay in adult social care reforms
Posted on October 26, 2022
Cuts would be "very damaging": SIGOMA chair responds to Chancellor's statement
Posted on October 19, 2022
SIGOMA chair joins calls for pause to social care reforms
Posted on October 11, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warns that pause must come with additional resource.
SIGOMA survey reveals threat to frontline services and regeneration projects
Posted on October 05, 2022
Detailed financial survey published reveals £2.5bn inflationary pressure over three years and the risk to frontline services and regeneration projects central to the "levelling up" agenda.
SIGOMA chair warns no new spending review means a winter of "difficult decisions"
Posted on September 30, 2022
SIGOMA chair welcomes support for energy bills, but warns more help is urgently required
Posted on September 26, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that while support is welcome, inflationary pressure will place extraordinary pressure on council budgets this winter.
SIGOMA chair warns about fiscal devolution flaws
Posted on September 01, 2022
Writing in the MJ, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton argued that formula grant, rather than new devolved tax powers, were the best way to support "levelling up".
SIGOMA chair responds to Sunak comments
Posted on August 18, 2022
Writing in the Local Government Chronicle, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton responded to leaked comments made by the ex-Chancellor about "deprived urban areas".
Fair Funding Review can get "levelling up" back on track says SIGOMA chair
Posted on July 26, 2022
Writing in the MJ, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton argued that placing deprivation as the "cornerstone" of how local government is funded could help re-start the flagging agenda.
SIGOMA chair calls for emergency support for council budgets to fight inflationary pressures
Posted on July 01, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that inflation will impact the poorest most and the government needs to step in to stop a return to austerity.
SIGOMA survey reveals significant inflationary pressure on council budgets
Posted on June 22, 2022
Survey of SIGOMA member authorities, covered by The Guardian, The i and the Local Government Chronicle, finds urgent need for emergency funding and certainty.
SIGOMA chair responds to cost of living measures
Posted on May 26, 2022
"'Levelling Up' let down" - SIGOMA chair responds to the Queen's Speech
Posted on May 25, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton warned that unless more funding quickly reaches the most deprived areas time will run out for the 'levelling up' agenda.
SIGOMA chair calls for government to prove UKSPF will match EU funding
Posted on May 04, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, called for the government to release the council-by-council comparative funding data to show that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will match previous EU structural funding.
SIGOMA chair responds to UKSPF allocations
Posted on April 14, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton offered his initial analysis following publication of council allocations of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
SIGOMA chair responds to Spring Statement - "Where was the levelling up?"
Posted on April 07, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton offered his initial response to the Chancellor's statement and then set out a lengthier analysis in The Municipal Journal.
SIGOMA chair calls for Covid funds for Councils to be continued
Posted on March 25, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton explained the importance of Covid funding, including the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF), being extended into 2022/23.
SIGOMA chair welcomes white paper ambition, but criticises lack of recognition of austerity
Posted on February 25, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton set out his thoughts on the levelling up white paper in the Municipal Journal.
SIGOMA responds to the final finance settlement
Posted on February 08, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton offers his response to the final local government finance settlement and public health grant allocations.
SIGOMA responds to the Levelling Up White Paper
Posted on February 02, 2022
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton offers his initial response following the publication of the long-awaited white paper.
SIGOMA chair warns about impact of inflation on most vulnerable
Posted on February 02, 2022
Writing in the Municipal Journal, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton set out the importance of reform of government finances to allow proper funding core council services which protect the most vulnerable.
SIGOMA chair sets our "asks" for Levelling Up White Paper
Posted on February 02, 2022
Writing in the Local Government Chronicle, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, also set out what to watch out for when the paper is published.
SIGOMA responds to the settlement
Posted on December 16, 2021
SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, responds to the local government finance settlement.
SIGOMA sets out settlement "asks"
Posted on December 14, 2021
Writing in the MJ, SIGOMA chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, welcomed recent comments regarding business rates retention and set out what measures the government could take in the upcoming settlement.
SIGOMA analysis finds Community Renewal Fund failed to target deprived communities
Posted on November 22, 2021
Analysis of the CRF found that despite the claim that the fund would "support people and communities most in need" just a quarter went to the most deprived councils.
SIGOMA chair asks key UKSPF questions
Posted on November 09, 2021
Writing in The Municipal Journal, SIGOMA chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, set out the key questions that arose from the recent announcements regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
SIGOMA responds to the Spending Review
Posted on November 01, 2021
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton delivers analysis of the spending review which was covered in the local government press and The Guardian.
SIGOMA launch alternative local government funding model
Posted on October 21, 2021
Today, Cllr Houghton, chair of SIGOMA launched an alternate "3 block" model for sustainably funding local government finance.
SIGOMA responds to Social Care announcements
Posted on October 12, 2021
Writing in the Municipal Journal, and the Yorkshire Post, SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, responded to the recent social care announcements.
SIGOMA publishes "levelling up" report.
Posted on September 14, 2021
Wide ranging report from towns and cities across England details major failings of government's "levelling up" agenda.
SIGOMA responds to HCLG Committee Report
Posted on July 19, 2021
The Housing, Communities and Local Government committee heard oral evidence from sector representatives including SIGOMA chair Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton before publishing their report "Local authority financial sustainability and the section 114 regime".
SIGOMA responds to PAC report on LG finances
Posted on June 04, 2021
The Commons public accounts committee report warned that it was "unacceptable that local authorities continue to face uncertainty about the level of financial support they can expect from government".
SIGOMA analysis finds council tax increases hit poorest areas hardest
Posted on April 01, 2021
Analysis of council tax increases show that the most deprived decile have seen the biggest increases of the tax - areas that can least afford to pay for the increases.
SIGOMA responds to Budget 2021
Posted on March 03, 2021
A disappointing budget for the sector also contained worrying information regarding the prioritisation for the £4.8bn Levelling Up fund.
SIGOMA responds to local government settlement
Posted on December 17, 2020
SIGOMA chair warns that spending power increases based on council tax rises are an unsustainable way to fund local government particularly for social care.
SIGOMA responds to the Spending Review
Posted on November 27, 2020
While there are some individual elements to be welcomed, taken as a whole the spending review is a missed opportunity for levelling up.
SIGOMA Survey reveals financial cost of Covid
Posted on September 03, 2020
An internal survey, shared exclusively with The MJ, revealed the severe financial strain and uncertainty that Covid has caused for council finances.
SIGOMA responds to Sales, Fees and Charges guidance
Posted on August 27, 2020
SIGOMA chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, warned councils would face a "large gap" between income losses and government compensation.
SIGOMA analysis reveals how austerity has fallen disproportionately on urban authorities
Posted on June 21, 2020
SIGOMA analysis finds £5bn covid shortfall in council finances
Posted on April 27, 2020
Analysis of the "Covid returns" of the 47 members of SIGOMA found that a combination of income losses and increased expenditure would lead to a shortfall of £2.2bn over 2021/22.
SIGOMA chair calls on MPs to take a stand for fairer funding
Posted on February 24, 2020
In advance of the settlement debate today, Sir Stephen Houghton has sent a personal message to MPs whose constituencies include poorer municipal councils represented by SIGOMA, the organisation he chairs.
SIGOMA Goes to Downing Street
Posted on July 12, 2019
19 June - MPs and Council Leaders meet to highlight the effect of cuts to local government on life chances for the young
New Vice Chair of SIGOMA elected
Posted on July 12, 2019
Councillor Wasim Ali of Sandwell Council new Vice Chair of SIGOMA
SIGOMA Calls on MHCLG to Face Up to the Funding Gap
Posted on May 22, 2019
SIGOMA responds to CCN 'Review of Local Government Spending Need and Funding' report
Fiscal Devolution: the Devil’s in the Detail
Posted on May 02, 2019
Sir Stephen Houghton argues a more nuanced view should be taken on recently mooted Treasury plans for more fiscal devolution.
SIGOMA Chair Comments on Council Tax Increases
Posted on March 27, 2019
Sir Stephen Houghton says "Central government must stop shifting an unbalanced burden onto bill payers."
SIGOMA Chair Responds to Spring Statement
Posted on March 13, 2019
Sir Stephen Houghton says today's announcements still leave under-pressure local services in England’s most vulnerable towns and cities hanging from a precipice.
Funding proposals would systematically disadvantage the most deprived
Posted on February 21, 2019
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton responds to latest funding review consultation.
SIGOMA Responds to the Final Local Government Finance Settlement
Posted on January 29, 2019
Sir Stephen Houghton says urban areas have lost confidence in the Government’s ability to carry out a fair funding review
The ministry must revise its fair funding approach
Posted on January 28, 2019
SIGOMA Chair responds to the County Councils Network's defence of downgrading deprivation as part of the 'Fair' Funding Review
Final Settlement Offers Chance for Redemption as Confidence in MHCLG Sinks
Posted on December 13, 2018
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton considers the implications of the 2019-20 Settlement on deprived towns and cities
Towns and cities accuse Communities Secretary of entrenching unfair funding
Posted on December 13, 2018
SIGOMA Chair Comments on unfair allocations in the 2019-20 Provisional Settlement
False Confessions and the Fair Funding Review
Posted on November 06, 2018
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton challenges county claims of funding disadvantage
Budget Doublethink
Posted on October 29, 2018
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton Comments on this year's Autumn Budget.
The Final Straw: Councils call time on austerity aimed at the poorest
Posted on September 24, 2018
SIGOMA leaders draw attention to unbalanced austerity and the potential impact of current policy proposals ahead of the Local Government Finance Settlement
Urban councils issue unified call for a more balanced Brexit
Posted on June 19, 2018
Sir Stephen Houghton and Cllr Peter Box argue Brexit could be an opportunity for the UK economy to fire on all cylinders if government engages more with local representatives and seeks to balance economic interests fairly
Local areas must be given a fair say in their economic future
Posted on June 19, 2018
SIGOMA and Key Cities call on Brexit Secretary David Davis to engage more meaningfully with local government.
SIGOMA Chair responds to the Spring Statement
Posted on March 13, 2018
Sir Stephen Houghton responds to the Chancellor's speech, expressing disappointment following a lack of investment in social care
Government must act now to end postcode lottery in care sector
Posted on March 07, 2018
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton and Doncaster Chief Exec. Jo Miller call on the Health and Social Care minister to end the postcode lottery in care services.
Deprived areas cannot shoulder the greatest burden of austerity
Posted on January 26, 2018
Chair Sir Stephen Houghton sets out SIGOMA's stance against Transition Grant ahead of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement
United calls for transport investment rethink
Posted on December 21, 2017
Responses to the Transport Select Committee’s Rail infrastructure Inquiry reveal broad agreement on reasons for the regional disparity in rail funding.
Consensus is key
Posted on December 06, 2017
Sir Stephen Houghton considers the progress of the Fair Funding Review and the importance of consensus building
Minister challenged over regional underinvestment
Posted on November 15, 2017
SIGOMA challenges Transport Minister to provide official data on his department's regional infrastructure spending plans.
Where next for council funding?
Posted on September 18, 2017
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton looks to the future of local government finance
Leaders call on Transport Secretary to put his money where his mouth is
Posted on August 23, 2017
Council leaders respond to Transport Minister’s controversial comments in the Yorkshire Post
Council Leaders to Present Unified Challenge to Transport Investment U-Turn
Posted on August 11, 2017
Council leaders from across the country to call for balanced regional investment after Transport Investment U-turns
Council collapse is not as unlikely as we may think
Posted on May 23, 2017
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton injects some international perspective into the national debate surrounding council finances
Long-term Care Solution Kicked Further Down the Road
Posted on March 08, 2017
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton comments on a Budget that provided some short-term relief but little long-term confidence for struggling local authorities.
Systemic underfunding of schools must be addressed
Posted on March 01, 2017
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton argues that systemic real terms cuts to education funding are the real driver behind local pressures.
SIGOMA Chair Responds to “Nickgate” Scandal
Posted on February 08, 2017
Sir Stephen Houghton speaks out over accusations that Surrey County Council were compelled to climb down from planned council tax referendum.
SIGOMA Challenges SEEC Claims
Posted on January 24, 2017
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton rebukes claims made by the South East England Councils group that the authorities they represent face “greater challenges” than others.
SIGOMA Chair Calls for Care Support
Posted on December 12, 2016
Sir Stephen Houghton wrote to the Chancellor on 9 December to express SIGOMA's care funding concerns.
When no news is not good news - Autumn Statement 2016
Posted on November 25, 2016
SIGOMA Chair Sir Stephen Houghton comments on the crucial announcements and omissions from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.
Autumn Statement Comment from SIGOMA Chair
Posted on November 11, 2016
Parliament To Vote on Article 50
Posted on November 03, 2016
The High Court has ruled that the Government cannot legally trigger Article 50 without a Parliamentary Vote.
IFS Finds Poorer Councils Forced to Make Greatest Cuts
Posted on October 26, 2016
New IFS report highlights the major changes to local government finance since 2010 and looks to the future in light of upcoming reforms.
Homelessness Reduction Bill
Posted on October 25, 2016
Government is to support a Homelessness Reduction Private Members Bill first introduced in June, but must ensure new burdens are fully and fairly funded.
Lower NLW Increase Expected
Posted on October 14, 2016
Following low growth in pay after the Brexit vote on June 23, a prominent think tank now expects the National Living Wage rate to be revised down.
SIGOMA Submits Pre-Autumn Statement Views
Posted on October 07, 2016
The Special Interest Group for Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) has today made their formal submission to HM Treasury in respect of the Autumn Statement 2016.
New Education Funding Announced
Posted on October 04, 2016
SIGOMA welcomes education investment in some of the least socially mobile parts of the country, but argues the net must be cast wider.
May Reportedly Set to Scrap Northern Plans
Posted on August 22, 2016
City mayors and Northern Powerhouse policies could be set to change under current Prime Minister
Assurance Needed on Post-Brexit Funding
Posted on August 15, 2016
Local authorities seek ministerial guarantee on £5.3bn of EU funding earmarked prior to Brexit
Growing Divide Holding Communities Back
Posted on August 01, 2016
New research reinforces the prominence of a growing regional divide between rich and poor.
100% Retention Must Ensure Fairness
Posted on July 25, 2016
New report highlights regional inequalities that could result from 100% retention of business rates.
New CLG Secretary of State
Posted on July 14, 2016
Sajid Javid MP has been appointed as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Adult Social Care Survey
Posted on July 13, 2016
Council tax rises fail to cover funding shortfall according to ADASS.
New Homes Bonus
Posted on March 10, 2016
SIGOMA's response to DCLG proposals for reforming the New Homes Bonus.
Review of Needs Formula
Posted on February 18, 2016
SIGOMA chair, Sir Stephen Houghton, comments to the Local Government Chronicle on the Government's review proposal.
100% Business Rate Retention
Posted on February 01, 2016
SIGOMA's submission to the CLG committee enquiry into 100% business rate retention.
2015 Finance Settlement
Posted on January 15, 2016
SIGOMA's response to the 2015 provisional local government finance settlement.
Game of Cuts
Posted on March 03, 2015
A short light hearted youtube presentation but with a serious underlying message which has become increasingly relevant as austerity continues to bite unevenly across the country.
Protecting Vital Services
Posted on February 25, 2015
SIGOMA's 2015 publication proposes an alternative, fairer funding mechanism to support vital services.