West Northamptonshire Council leader warns government that more powers will not solve growing financial pressures
The leader of West Northamptonshire Council has warned that handing more powers to local authorities will not solve the financial pressures facing councils unless the government also provides sustainable funding.
Councillor Mark Arnull has responded to government plans to give local leaders greater control over investment, including £285 million in transitional funding aimed at boosting economic growth across England.
The proposals, announced ahead of the Budget, are intended to reduce councils' reliance on Whitehall and allow local leaders to decide how investment should support housing, transport and regeneration.
However, Councillor Arnull said West Northamptonshire continues to face significant financial challenges, including inherited debt and rising demand for adult and children's social care.
He said: “While ministers talk about ending the era of local leaders going cap in hand to Westminster, many councils are still carrying the scars of past failures and financial decisions that were not of their making.”
The Reform UK council leader argued that increasing social care costs were consuming a growing proportion of council budgets, reducing funding available for other services.
He also raised concerns about uncertainty surrounding Northamptonshire's future devolution arrangements, saying local communities must have a meaningful say in deciding which strategic authority model is adopted.
Councillor Arnull added: “Additional powers are welcome, but powers alone do not pay for social care placements, support vulnerable families or address decades of accumulated financial pressure.”
The government's proposals include £285 million in transitional funding next year, with areas not yet covered by strategic authorities also eligible to access support.
Ministers are also proposing a £1.5 billion borrowing facility from 2028 and £150 million to strengthen the capacity of strategic authorities taking on additional responsibilities.
The government says greater local control will help unlock investment, create jobs and support economic development without requiring repeated applications to central government.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I'm calling time on local leaders going cap in hand to Westminster. That is no way to run a country.”
Chancellor John Healey said the changes would give communities greater control over their economic futures.
However, Councillor Arnull insisted the fundamental issue remained the gap between councils' statutory responsibilities and available resources.
He called for a fair financial settlement recognising historic liabilities alongside growing demand for essential public services.