Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO, said:
"Sadly, it seems the short-termism from the government towards councils will continue to plague local government with little extra funding expected from this year’s budget. Despite extreme cost pressures, CIPFA’s call for urgent finance model reform remains unanswered. In turn, councils are struggling to even stand still, let alone accommodate the increased demand and costs for services, such as SEND provision. The government must increase SEND funding to make up for the shortfall and remove the huge, accumulated deficits.
"Public sector productivity is challenged by a reduced workforce. The government must understand that productivity cannot be improved by councils without some heavy lifting by the government on skills, housing, pay and workforce supply. The Chancellor’s expected capital injection into the NHS will do little to address the chronic lack of capital resources that impedes transformation.
"This year’s budget is likely sticking plaster politics with more tax cuts, arbitrary efficiency targets and fiscal instability. Long-term reform is now the only way to ensure a system that works for all.”
Notes to editor
For more information please contact the CIPFA press office.