Calls for fairer funding continue in consultation response

Work to secure fairer funding for Wokingham Borough is moving forward, with the council set to submit its response to the Government’s consultation on the future of local government finance. 

The proposals being consulted on could see almost £50 million of Wokingham Borough council tax effectively redistributed to other areas over the next three years. This would push the borough’s savings challenge from just over £10 million to more than £30 million, despite the council already being one of the lowest funded in the country. 

The council’s response calls for a funding ‘floor’, guaranteeing all councils with social care responsibilities at least a four per cent annual increase to protect essential services. It highlights that the Government’s single national formula is too blunt, putting too much weight on certain measures of deprivation while failing to reflect the real costs faced in areas such as Wokingham. The plans ignore the extra pressures of caring for more elderly and disabled residents, supporting children with SEND and meeting the higher costs of living and staffing in this area. Treating council tax income in the same way as Government funding also risks local taxpayers’ money being redistributed elsewhere, leading to deeper cuts to services here. 

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We understand the government’s desire to redistribute funding but the way they are proposing to do it could be very damaging. Councils such as ours would lose out to an extent that we’d struggle to meet residents’ needs. We are urging the government to introduce a funding ‘floor’, so that every council sees at least a minimum increase each year. This simple measure would provide vital protection for the worst-hit councils while still allowing redistribution to take place.” 

The response will be formally signed off by Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, executive member for finance, through an individual member decision, she added: “The proposed formula ignores the higher costs of providing services in areas like ours, from caring for elderly and disabled residents to supporting children with SEND, alongside the challenges of high housing and living costs. Without fairer funding, we will be forced to make reductions that inevitably affect local services. 

“We have already saved millions through efficiencies and investments and we have built-up strong reserves, but if the settlement goes ahead as planned, Wokingham would be hit very hard and residents would notice changes.” 

The council is working with other authorities, businesses and community groups to build up support for a fairer funding deal and will continue to press its case to Government throughout the consultation.