THE leader of Staffordshire County Council says funding for roads, care and education are key areas the Government must address in order to avoid “crippling” local authorities.
Cllr Ian Cooper made his comments as the country marks one year since the General Election.
The Reform UK-led administration at the county council said the Labour Government had still to address major issues impacting local residents in Staffordshire.
Cllr Cooper said support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), funding for a growing ageing population and long-term investment in roads continued to be areas of concern.
“These are key national issues which are putting unsustainable pressure on the budgets of councils like Staffordshire.
“A national review of care is now long overdue and urgently needs to be addressed by Government.
“We also want to see meaningful investment in our roads. This is a top priority for the new cabinet as better roads and transport links are important to families and crucial to attracting investment and supporting businesses to flourish.
“To add further to the budget pressures, local councils are also having to deal with the expense and uncertainty on local government reorganisation and devolution – neither of which were highlighted in the Government’s plans before its election.”
Cllr Cooper said the Government needed to listen to local authorities in order to understand the issues that matter to them.
He said:
“It is important that any Government, national or local, stays in step with the people they serve.
“We have made our priorities for Staffordshire clear and we will be making taxpayers’ money work as hard as it can to deliver the maximum benefits for Staffordshire’s residents, businesses and our amazing county.
“But now is the time for Government to listen too to local government and address those key national priorities which ultimately risk crippling councils without urgent action.”
