£60bn for English councils

Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, announced an almost £60 billion package for English councils for the next fiscal year to guarantee they can continue to provide frontline services.

The settlement means councils throughout England will receive an additional £5 billion, a 9% increase over last year's settlement. The government continues to support councils and public services despite financial difficulties.

The deal for next year guarantees every council in England a 3% boost in core spending power before any local council tax decisions are made. Alongside this, the government is introducing a new £100 million scheme for councils to shield vulnerable households from council tax rises, fulfilling a manifesto promise to safeguard local taxpayers from excessive increases.

The government will provide £2 billion in additional grant funding for adult and children's social care in 2023/24. NHS England will receive £300 million to ease patient discharge and enhance capacity.

After listening to councils, the government has provided spending certainty through 2024/25, allowing town halls to plan forward with confidence.