Leeds Town Hall

Leeds City Council Leader Calls for Urgent Support for Frontline Services

Leeds City Council Leader James Lewis has called for urgent action to be taken to support local council services amid rising concerns and uncertainty around budgets around the country.

The council is facing a projected overspend of £33.9 million for the current financial year, and initial estimates have identified the need for a further £59.2 million of savings to be delivered in next year's budget. This is due to a number of factors, including increased energy and fuel costs, high levels of inflation, and rising demand for services.

Councillor James Lewis

Councillor Lewis has repeatedly called for the government's Fair Funding Review to be implemented, which would see Leeds receive an estimated £45.3 million more in funding next year. However, the government has indicated that this will not happen before the end of the current parliament.

In the meantime, the council is taking several steps to try to achieve the necessary savings, including carrying out continuous service and asset reviews, freezing recruitment, and reducing non-essential spending.

Councillor Lewis said: "The decision not to implement the Fair Funding Review is deeply frustrating as this issue needs addressing now and cannot wait. People in Leeds and elsewhere need the support that money would have offered them. We will continue to do all we can with what we have, but a complete revamp and modernisation of how local government finance is managed with a more needs-based approach at the heart of all decisions is absolutely essential and long overdue."

The council has been praised for how it has managed its finances in the face of significant pressures. The latest budget position in Leeds will be considered by senior councilors at the meeting of its executive board at Civic Hall on Wednesday 20th September.

Photo Credit: iStock / Leeds City Council

PSE August/September 2023

PSE August/September 2023

London mayor assisting with creative COVID recovery

Our  August/September 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Learn how the role of local government in leading the data revolution or read all about the Manchesters landmark housing scheme, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Events

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Virtual Events

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

 

See our full events calendar and register now! 

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Ep. 44
LGBT in the workplace
with Carl Austin Behan

In episode 44 of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, host Dan Benn was joined by former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin-Behan OBE. Carl spoke about everything ranging from his time in the RAF, being Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, and the important work he does now, with the LGBT Foundation.
 

More articles...

View all