The council leader said the funding ‘should not be viewed as a significant injection of new money’
There has been a mixture of opinions over funding the council will receive in what the Government has described as a “turning point settlement” with English local authorities. The leader, Cllr Mike Ross, has said that what the Government is calling “a radical overhaul”, is simply “part of the normal annual funding process.”
On December 17, the Government announced a near £78 billion funding injection “aimed at restoring pride and opportunity in left behind places, to get back what has been lost.” The national funding included close to £800 million going to Hull and East Yorkshire.
Soon after the announcement, the Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy welcomed the news which sees East Riding Council and Hull City Council getting £414.8 million and £379.9 million respectively.
Ms Hardy said: “After 14 years of Tory austerity, Labour is putting money back into our local services. I have been fighting for us to get our fair share, and I’m so pleased the Labour Government has listened and recognised the needs of local services in our area.
“This £794 million cash injection for Hull and East Yorkshire will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives by boosting the services we all rely on. It means more money for our high streets, our libraries, our roads and for cleaner streets. The Labour Government is reversing Tory decline and investing in Britain’s renewal.”
The Government has altered the way the funding has been allocated to council, focussing on deprived areas. The Government has said the most deprived 10 per cent of councils will see a 24 per cent per head boost to the funding available to them as a result of the changes.
Secretary of State responsible for local government, Steve Reed echoed Ms Hardy’s sentiments, saying: “This is a chance to turn the page on a decade of cuts, and for local leaders to invest in getting back what has been lost – to bring back libraries, youth services, clean streets, and community hubs. We’re making sure every community has the funding they need to succeed.”
However, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat run Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross has been less enthusiastic about the funding. He said: “Fair funding from the Government means that we can deliver services that make Hull a better place to live and support residents.
“Sadly, for years, Hull has not seen fair funding from the central Government. This announcement from the Government forms part of the normal annual funding process and should not be viewed as a significant injection of new money. Above all, the council’s priority remains unchanged; we will continue listening to local people and delivering the essential services that residents rely upon, despite ongoing cost pressures and rising demand.”
A council spokesperson added: “The impact of yesterday’s announcement will be limited. Any changes will be phased in over three years and, in total, will not provide the council with the level of funding required to meet the needs of all residents without other sources of funding.”
East Riding Council was also contacted for a response to the Government’s funding announcement.
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