Alex Forsyth
Political correspondent
Joshua Nevett
Political reporter
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A large portion of council leaders fear a major shake-up of local government will not solve the financial pressures their authorities are facing, a survey has suggested.
Ministers are streamlining local government by merging councils and setting up single authorities that provide all the services in their areas.
But a survey by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) think tank suggested there was low support for it among council leaders, with less than a quarter of those who responded believing the changes would ease their financial challenges.
A government spokesperson said reorganisation was “a tough choice” but “the right one” to improve the sustainability and resilience of local authorities.
Councils have been under financial pressure for some time.
A recent report by the National Audit Office found funding had failed to keep pace with growing demand for services – particularly social care, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and temporary accommodation.
The government has increased the amount of money available to councils, and has promised to reform the way their funding works.
The government says the reorganisation will streamline and simplify services, make savings and create structures that will allow more powers to be handed down to council leaders and mayors.
But in some areas the plans have proved controversial.
Short-term pressure
A survey of council leaders and senior officials, carried out by the LGIU, found many thought the plans were unclear, the timescales were not achie
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