Welcoming Landmark Local Funding Boost and Devolution Powers

I welcome the government’s £69 billion Local Government Finance Settlement, which delivers a 3.5% real-terms increase in Core Spending Power for councils across England. This significant funding boost will support key areas, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), homelessness prevention, and rural communities.

Accompanying the settlement, the English Devolution Bill promises to transfer unprecedented powers to local leaders, marking a historic step towards more accountable and effective governance.

This investment strengthens councils’ ability to deliver essential services. I’m committed to ensuring Redditch and the Villages benefit fully from these opportunities.