Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report into local government finance, UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said today (Friday).
“Councils are facing massive pressures because of the extra responsibilities of the pandemic, many of them already on the brink financially.
“The short-term handouts from government barely begin to cover the financial black hole created by the extra costs of the virus.
“Council workers who’ve been running essential services and supporting local communities shouldn’t be at risk of losing their jobs because of government underfunding. Nor should the public miss out on vital local services.
“Ministers need to get a grip without delay to come up with a long-term plan for local government.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
