MP for North East Hertfordshire, Sir Oliver Heald, has raised concerns over the council finance settlement in a House of Commons Debate. Changes are being implemented to give Councils less in grants and allowing them to keep more of the money they raise in business rates, but Sir Oliver questioned the transitional arrangements being put in place.
He argued that ‘North Hertfordshire District Council is an excellent council which has been making efficiencies for years. Does my hon. Friend agree that expecting it to accept a 57% cut in grant year on year is a very big ask indeed?’
Commenting afterwards, Sir Oliver said, ‘I am glad to have been able to raise this issue in the House. I support the move to give Councils less in grants and allow them to keep more of their business rates, but I am concerned that it seems a very quick transition and I ask the Government to look at whether it should be made over a longer a period.’