On Wednesday 7th February, Parliament approved a new funding settlement for English local authorities that well see a real terms increase in funding over the next two years, giving them access to £200 billion from 2015 to 2020.
In Worcestershire, the local authority will have Core Spending Power of £345.1 million, which represents an increase of £10.4 million or 3.1%. This includes a £1.5 million Adult Social Care Support Grant that will look to alleviate social care pressures in the county. Nationwide, £16 million will be made available to councils in rural areas through a Rural Services Grant (RSG) to bridge funding gaps with their historically wealthier urban neighbours. Worcestershire is set to benefit from the RSG, with it making up 1.2% of the local authority’s baseline funding.
I am happy that following pressure from local MPs, the new local funding settlement has recognised some of the specific funding needs that Worcestershire has. We have a relatively high elderly population in Worcestershire and I was particularly pleased to see a sizeable proportion of the £150 million of additional adult social care funding directed towards our county. It is also welcome that the Government recognises the requirements of rural populations and has created a Rural Services Grant to make local authority funding fairer.
I have a good relationship with the County Council and am glad to support the work that they do on our roads, in our schools and for our social services. I hope that this new funding settlement will help them continue such work effectively and in a way that continues to benefit the people of Worcestershire.