Concern over authorities' financial sustainability

摘要

The former chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), Sir Merrick Cockell, has expressed doubts over the financial sustainability of councils. Speaking to The MJ, Sir Merrick would not go as far as predicting no local authority would fall over within the next 10 years. However, he was keen to focus on the strength of the local government sector as a whole. He continued: 'We haven't seen a local authority fall over. They've had to make some very difficult decisions. With decentralisation, including local retention of business rates, it makes them stronger. 'Financially the sector is stronger five years later and in many ways is more confident. The power of general competence has allowed local government to stand on its own two feet.'