These are tough times for local government: services are being squeezed and so are the living standards of the workers who deliver those services. The local government revenue grant has again been cut in real terms, (with the exception of additional funding previously announced for free school meals). While extra revenue is anticipated from non-domestic rates and some additional capital this leaves an overall standstill budget.
The council tax freeze continues for the eighth year with no increase in funding. Local government remains the only major spending portfolio to experience a cash cut since the financial crash…