Reed demands fairer funding for local government

Steve Reed MP has called on the Government to adopt a fairer funding settlement for councils.

Speaking from the frontbench at his first Communities and Local Government Questions since being appointed Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mr Reed said that some of the poorest communities have suffered the biggest cuts in council spending.

New research by Mr Reed also shows that the 10 councils with the most children in care lost three times more funding than the 10 councils with the fewest children in care.

Mr Reed said:

“Many people across local government hope the new Secretary of State will adopt a fairer approach than his predecessor.

“Over the past five years, Newham, which has very high levels of social deprivation, has lost more than £1,000 of funding per household while wealthier Elmbridge in Surrey has had an increase of more than £40 per household.

“How will his approach in future spending rounds put an end to this blatant unfairness?”

You can read Steve’s questions here and watch above.