Agenda item

Nicola Morton, Head of Local Government Finance, introduced the report which provided an update on the 2019/20 provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced by the Government on 13 December 2018, and summarised the LGA’s formal response.

Members noted that key announcements included additional resources for Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care, no increase to the New Homes Bonus threshold, and a removal of downward adjustment to tariffs and top-ups for authorities which would otherwise be in negative RSG. It was also announced that the 15 local authority areas would pilot 75 per cent Business Rates Retention in 2019/20, as well as all London Boroughs and the City of London. The five 100 per cent business rates pilots which started in 2017/18 would continue at 100 per cent in 2019/20.

The LGA’s formal response was included in the report, which welcomed the additional resources but highlighted the large funding gap which remained, as well as particular issues regarding Adult Social Care.

Decision

The LGA Leadership Board noted the report.