COVENTRY leaders have demanded £4billion on day one of next administration to stabilise local government.
In a move to tackle the pressing challenges confronting local government, city leaders are rallying behind a manifesto put forth by Key Cities – the national network representing 27 urban centres across the UK, including Coventry.
The manifesto, which enjoys cross-party support from representatives, demands immediate action from the next government to address the funding crisis gripping local authorities.
At its core is a call for an infusion of £4billion in funding to be allocated to local authorities on the first day of the new administration.
Leaders said the necessity of reforming the current system of fund allocation, advocating for grants to be distributed based on the city’s current tax bases and pressing needs.
The manifesto emphasises the need for devolving powers to local authorities, enabling them to address crucial areas such as fair funding review and council tax reform, social care funding, housing and homelessness, and the transition to a net-zero economy.
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, co-chair of the key cities APPG, said: “With councils up and down the country in a state of crisis, it’s imperative that the next administration takes decisive action to stabilise local government and ensure local communities have access to the services they need and deserve.
“With its cross-party membership, Key Cities is an authoritative and unified voice for UK cities.
“This Manifesto shines a light on the major issues affecting our urban areas and offers practical recommendations to remedy them. Policymakers, take note.”
The comprehensive set of recommendations outlined in the manifesto covers key areas, including fair funding review and council tax reform, social care funding, housing and homelessness, and the devolution of powers in priority sectors, including the transition to a net-zero economy.
