Statistics issued by the <\/u>Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)<\/u> indicate that <\/u>444 local authorities hold \u00a322.5 billion in non-ringfenced reserves \u2013 figures disputed \u2018misleading\u2019 by the Local Government Association (LGA) \u2013 while <\/u>from 2000-01 to 2014-15 local authority spending has risen by 20.5% and a more detailed analysis of net current expenditure by service in England shows expenditure on Planning and development services has been reduced by \u00a366 million between 2013\/14 and 2014\/15.<\/u><\/p>\n
The LGA said: \u2018These figures are hugely misleading and the suggestion that they prove councils are able to absorb further funding cuts is wrong\u2019.<\/p>\n
DCLG writes:
\n<\/u>In the last 15 years, the amount held by local authorities in their non-ringfenced reserves has increased significantly \u2013 by nearly 170% in real terms.<\/p>\n
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said that he recognises the need for councils to be responsible with taxpayers\u2019 money and save for the future but they should also make efficient use of their assets and resources to best meet the needs of their local communities.<\/p>\n
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: \u2018With local government accounting for a quarter of all public spending, it is right that they are called on to play their part in dealing with the deficit.\u00a0 Today\u2019s figures show how they are well placed to do so, with local authorities holding \u00a322.5 billion held in non-ringfenced reserves \u2013 up 170% in real terms over the last 15 years.\u00a0 As we continue to secure our country\u2019s economic future and cut the deficit, now is the time to make efficient use of their assets and resources to provide the services local people want to see.\u2019\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Today\u2019s figures show that over the past year, local authorities added nearly \u00a31 billion more to their non-ringfenced reserves \u2013 taking the total to \u00a322.5 billion.\u00a0 This is up from the \u00a313 billion local authorities held in 2010.\u00a0 Today\u2019s local authority revenue expenditure and financing statistics include this statement:<\/p>\n Public satisfaction with local services has increased over the past 5 years.<\/p>\n UK Gov news<\/a><\/p>\n Explore the statistics<\/a> in more detail<\/p>\n View statistics<\/a> for planning and related services<\/p>\n LGA news<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Statistics issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) indicate that 444 local authorities hold \u00a322.5 billion in non-ringfenced reserves \u2013 figures disputed \u2018misleading\u2019 by the Local Government Association (LGA) \u2013 while from 2000-01 to 2014-15 local authority … Continue reading \n