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Liverpool City Council has expressed its support for the draft proposals put forward by the Government to reform local government finance. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released its second consultation regarding the Fair Funding Review. The consultation seeks input on various topics, including how new funding allocations are determined, consolidating funding, a long-term approach to Business Rates retention, and reducing demands to empower councils to better serve their communities.
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources, and Transformation, Cllr Ruth Bennett, emphasized the need for long-overdue reform in the financing of local councils. The current funding formula, which has remained unchanged for decades, fails to consider the specific demands placed on services in various regions, especially in northern towns and cities like Liverpool. Bennett welcomed the proposed changes aimed at simplifying the grant funding system, providing multi-year settlements for better planning, and equalizing Council Tax, particularly in areas where smaller properties in Bands A and B generate significantly less revenue compared to places with larger homes in higher bands.
Additionally, the proposal to reset the Business Rates system to align funding with need and reward business rates growth was commended by Bennett. The consultation’s recognition of deprivation as a significant factor driving the cost of delivering local services, especially in high-demand areas like Liverpool, was highlighted as an important step in addressing funding disparities and ensuring equitable distribution. The government’s willingness to make tough decisions based on current evidence and target spending accordingly was also acknowledged. Liverpool City Council plans to provide a detailed response to the consultation before the deadline on 15 August. For more information on the consultation, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-fair-funding-review-20
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