Newcastle Labour is continuing to challenge a deeply unfair funding system that forces cities with some of the greatest needs to carry a disproportionate share of government cuts.
Newcastle City Council faces further reductions in government grant at the same time as demand for essential services continues to increase. Since 2010, councils serving less affluent communities have repeatedly been required to make much greater savings than many wealthier parts of the country.
These reductions affect the services on which residents rely, including adult social care, support for children and families, libraries, environmental services and help for people facing financial hardship.
Our Labour administration will continue doing everything possible to protect residents and manage the council responsibly. However, no council can absorb repeated reductions of this scale without consequences for local services.
The government is increasingly expecting councils to depend on locally raised income. That approach benefits authorities with stronger property values and larger tax bases while placing councils such as Newcastle, where demand for services is often greater, at a serious disadvantage.
We believe council funding should be based on the needs of residents and the responsibilities placed upon local authorities. A person’s access to essential care and support must not depend on whether they live in a wealthy part of the country.
Labour councillors see the consequences of austerity through their work in Newcastle’s communities. The experiences residents share through ward surgeries and casework will continue informing the arguments we make locally and nationally.
We will work with other northern cities, local government representatives, trade unions and community organisations to demand a fair settlement. Newcastle is prepared to make difficult decisions responsibly, but we will not remain silent while our city is treated unfairly.
Leader of Newcastle Labour, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“Newcastle has been asked to carry an unfair share of government cuts despite the growing pressure on services our residents rely upon. Funding must reflect the needs of communities and the responsibilities of councils, not simply the ability of wealthy areas to raise more money locally.”