“A major and positive step forward”

Posted on June 20, 2025

Our Chair, Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, has strongly welcomed the consultation on local government finance released today. The proposed reforms will begin undo a decade of damage to the most deprived areas, supporting the most in-need councils and communities. 

“The significant reforms proposed by the government will deliver a fairer and more sustainable system and are a major and positive step forward.  

“A decade of disproportionate cuts, outdated formulas and short-term settlements have left our members with shrinking resources, struggling to meet rising demand. It is therefore very welcome that there will now be a focus on delivering a funding system that supports the most deprived areas. This will build on the important work of the Recovery Grant.  

“Simplifying the grant system and delivering a long-overdue multi-year settlement will bring about much-needed stability and certainty for councils. The government’s close engagement with the sector is testament to the reset in the relationship with local government, and we look forward to responding to the consultation and continuing to engage with the department.”  

You can read the full statement from our Chair in the government’s press release here.