Local government services

That this House notes with concern that the funding provided in the 2024/25 Local Government Finance Settlement has decreased by over £5,575 million since 2016 in real terms; understands that councils are facing a funding gap of £4bn over the next three years; notes that the 2024/25 Settlement reduces the Services Grant by £406 million despite councils already being forced to make cuts to local services such as closing libraries and leisure centres; further notes that the Settlement fails to recognise the unprecedented levels of inflation and demand for services which has driven up council outgoings; understands that in order to pass balanced budgets many councils will be forced to charge higher council tax for reduced services; is concerned that almost one in five council leaders in England say they are likely to issue a S114 notice in the next 15 months; and urges the Government to provide adequate funding to local government to ensure councils have the means to deliver both statutory services and economic and cultural enrichment for their residents.