Councils face a £3 billion funding black hole next year

Councils in England, Wales and Scotland are grappling with huge budget deficits totalling £3.09 billion for the next financial year, according to research published by UNISON.

According to the union, the record shortfall in 2022/23 will lead to huge service and staff cuts at local authorities across Britain unless the government urgently finds the money to protect communities.

The results show the mammoth savings needed to balance the books, without new funding from the government. The cuts will result in significant reductions in the vital support given to local people unless councils receive emergency help, says UNISON.

Councils grappling with large budget deficits include Hampshire County Council, which faces making more than £65.9 million savings next year, Cheshire West and Chester Council has an almost £26 million financial black hole, despite scaling back social care services by closing three respite centre, and North Warwickshire Council has a £1.6 million shortfall and made reductions to care services, resulting in the loss of 23 jobs.

Christina McAnea, UNISON general secretary, said: “These council-funding shortfalls will result in cuts that are likely to hit the poorest in society hardest. Children struggling in class won’t be able to get the extra help they need to succeed. Families of the elderly and people needing support will be denied the services on which so many of them rely. Access to much-loved parks, libraries and community facilities are at risk of being taken away.

“The government must step up and help local councils desperately trying to keep afloat. If Boris Johnson is serious about levelling-up, this money must be found. Ministers cannot allow a two-tier society to develop where some of the most in need are left behind.”