Local Government Finance Settlement for England 2017/18

The provisional local government finance settlement for England was published on 15th December 2016. This was followed by the final settlement on 20th & 21st February 2017.

At the total England level, Core Spending Power is reducing by 1.1% in 2017-18, then is projected to rise by 1.0% in 2018-19 and rise by 2.7% in 2019-20. However, it should be noted that this is in cash terms, whereas costs are increasingly rapidly for local government, particularly in social care. Also, these changes vary widely between authorities. For example, Forest Heath District Council faces a cut of 19.5% in 2017-18, while at the other end of the scale, Daventry District Council will receive an increase of 2.4%.

• Firstly, there is a national reduction of £241million in New Homes Bonus (including the return of the surplus – see below) and this is being used to fund a one-year grant for adult social care.
• Secondly, local authorities are able to bring forward some of their social care precept on council tax, allowing a different profile in the rise in council tax. Both are intended to help with immediate pressures on social care budgets.

This briefing paper summarises the local government financial settlement and reactions to it in the sector and provides some commentary.

To download your FREE copy of the complete briefing paper please click HERE

Manchester Town Hall