DCN RESPONDS TO FINAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE SETTLEMENT

Responding to the final Local Government Finance Settlement, Cllr John Fuller, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“District councils will be relieved that the calculation errors in business rates by the Valuation Office Agency have not resulted in significant adjustments to the draft settlement.

“We remain disappointed that our clear role in reducing demand for the most expensive social care elements has not been recognised.

“For 88 district councils, leaving the £5 council tax threshold unchanged means these district councils are unable to generate a much needed additional increase – a potential £9 million if this figure had been increased to £7.50 to provide the resources to help reduce demand for social care by fixing issues one family at a time.

“That said, we appreciate that the importance of the incentives to grow via the New Homes Bonus remains unchanged and that the rural services delivery grant has received a small increase.”

ENDS

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