Agenda item

The Chairman invited Nicola Morton, Head of Local Government Finance, to present the report which outlined the ongoing steps taken by the LGA ahead of the forthcoming Autumn Statement. There was also a summary of the main elements of the 2023/24 local government finance settlement.

Members discussed how to lobby central government for additional funding to meet cost pressures for 2022/23 and future funding gaps. There were some members who felt that the LGA needed to be stronger in representing the challenges facing councils. It was noted that the links in the report provided more detail on lobbying lines and that LGA had been campaigning through various media engagements, although it can be hard to identify what the media will pick up on. Members were reminded that local authorities were welcome to provide case studies as this helped with messaging.

Action:

Officers will consider how we can give the Board a summary insight into current activity for future reports

Decision:

Members noted the update.