Spending Review - Statement from Buckinghamshire Council Leader Steven Broadbent

Reacting to the Spending Review, Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said:

“It’s clear from today’s Spending Review where this government’s priorities lie and it is not Buckinghamshire.

While we heard news about broader investment in some key public services, the Spending Review falls completely short where local government is concerned. There are no answers for many of the big questions our sector is grappling with; nothing on funding for SEND services, nothing meaningful on Adult Social Care. While I note local government funding is not being cut like other departments, a 1.1% rise just won’t scratch the surface and will not materially change the very real challenges this sector faces.

Local government is the ‘front door’ for critical local services people everywhere rely on, day in, day out, and these services are experiencing significant increases in demand.  There is nothing within today’s announcement that really gets to grip with that; it does nothing to deal with the level of uncertainty around central funding for local authorities.

Worryingly for residents there was precious little real information about the funding of spending commitments made today. As ever, the detail that will be revealed in the coming days will indicate where the costs will lie.   

The fundamental positive our residents can draw from this tonight is that this council is focussed on service delivery and value for money - ensuring we have stability in our financial position in spite of the significant challenges and pressures placed on our finances.  We continue to deliver on residents’ priorities and continue to invest in key projects that matter to our people and places, such as our record £120m+ level of investment in the local road network.

I will continue to fight for a better deal for Buckinghamshire and to do all I can make sure our voice is heard by national government.”