Four leading local government associations have come together to urge the new government to address the critical funding challenges facing local authorities, highlighting an urgent need to bridge the growing funding gap.

The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT), the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) are membership associations which represent senior leaders across place services, children’s services, adult social services and public health. 

The request comes in response to the critical challenges faced by local authorities, following reduced public spending and rising service demands, leaving many on the brink of financial collapse and unable to meet the essential needs of their communities. 

Ahead of the budget announcement next week, the associations are calling for:

• A fundamental review of local government funding.
• Introduction of multi-year funding settlements.
• Removal of siloed and short-term funding streams.
• Clarity on the future of a wide range of fixed term funding pots.

In a letter to ministers, the associations emphasise their readiness to work in partnership with the government, recognising the critical role of local government in leading, managing and shaping local places, communities and services to deliver better outcomes.  

Ann Carruthers, President of ADEPT, said: “Local authorities are integral to addressing national priorities such as climate change, economic growth, social equality and public health. Local government knows its people and places best, and is able to deliver on priorities, but this can’t be done without addressing the cliff edge we now face and really investing in public services going forward.  

“Together with our association partners, we are urging the government to address the critical funding challenges facing local authorities - we need a funding model that allows us to plan long term, sustainable solutions for our communities and the environment."

Greg Fell, ADPH President, said: “As local leaders, we are responsible for ensuring that residents are able to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. We know what is needed to achieve that, but we are in an impossible situation, having to make incredibly difficult decisions to cut services because we simply can’t afford them. 

“To be able to implement policies that will support people to have better outcomes, we need consistent, adequate funding, and investment in a properly trained and supported workforce.”

Andy Smith, ADCS President, said: “We are at a pivotal moment in the nation’s relationship with children and young people. A growing body of evidence is clear that children’s life chances are stalling or even deteriorating in terms of education, mental or physical health, too many are criminalised, and are faced with poverty, discrimination or geographical inequalities. 

“Social progress will drive economic growth. As membership associations, we urge the government to use the upcoming budget to invest in children, young people and their families, as well as the public services they rely on to help them to thrive. This investment not only benefits individual children and families, but the country as a whole via improved national wellbeing for every generation, increased earning potential, less reliance on, and cost to, the state and sustained progress on social injustices.”

Melanie Williams, President of ADASS, said: “Our latest research shows directors of social services have overspent more on adult social care budgets than in recent history. At the same time, people's needs are becoming more complex and many are waiting for an assessment of their needs. That's why the Government must now prioritise a long term, sustainably funded plan for adult social care, and work closely with local government to deliver it." 

The briefing note is available here: www.adeptnet.org.uk/documents/briefing-note-local-government-funding

ENDS 

Notes to Editors: 

For more information, please contact Madeline Jackson at ADCS on 07784 167980 madeline.jackson@adcs.org.uk or press@adcs.org.uk

• The briefing note is available here: www.adeptnet.org.uk/documents/briefing-note-local-government-funding
• The letter is available here: www.adeptnet.org.uk/documents/letter-local-government-funding

About ADEPT 

The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) is the voice of place directors who are responsible for providing day to day services including local highways, recycling, waste and planning, whilst preparing for the longer term. ADEPT is a membership based, voluntary organisation with members across England. We bring together directors from county, unitary, metropolitan and combined authorities, along with sub-national transport bodies and corporate partners drawn from key service sectors. ADEPT members develop long term strategies, investment and infrastructure needed to make their places resilient, sustainable, inclusive and prosperous. They drive clean, sustainable growth, delivering the projects that are fundamental to creating more resilient communities, economies and infrastructure. These services include housing, environmental and regulatory services, planning, economic development, culture and highways and transport. ADEPT develops, supports and represents members to make their places more resilient, sustainable, inclusive and prosperous, leading the transformation of local authorities. We proactively engage with central government on emerging issues, promoting initiatives aimed at influencing policy, regulation and funding, developing best practices and by responding to government initiatives and consultations.

For more information on ADEPT please visit the website: www.adeptnet.org.uk For more information on ADEPT please visit the website: www.adeptnet.org.uk

About ADPH

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DsPH) in the UK. It represents the professional views of all DsPH as the local leaders for the nation’s health. 

The Association has a heritage dating back over 160 years and is a collaborative organisation, working in partnership with others to strengthen the voice for public health. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice. www.adph.org.uk

About ADCS

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services Ltd. (ADCS) is the national leadership organisation in England for directors of children’s services (DCSs) appointed under the provisions of the Children Act (2004). The DCS acts as a single point of professional leadership and accountability for services for children and young people in a local area, including children’s social care and education. www.adcs.org.uk  

About ADASS

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) is a membership charity and a leading, independent voice of adult social care. We promote higher standards of social care services and influence policies and decision-makers to improve social care in England and transform the lives of people needing and providing care. Our members include directors of adult social care and their teams, past directors and principal social workers. www.adass.org.uk