UK Government Supports 30 Councils to Avoid Bankruptcy

The UK government has granted 'exceptional' financial support to 30 local councils across England, allowing them to borrow funds to avoid bankruptcy and ensure the continuity of public services. This support includes significant allocations to councils such as Bradford, which received a £127m boost, and Cheshire East, Halton, Trafford, and Wirral, which collectively received over £134m. In London, six councils including Barnet and Croydon have been allocated funds ranging from £136m to £10m. This assistance, aimed at addressing severe budget gaps, comes with conditions preventing the sale of community and heritage assets. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, led by Jim McMahon, emphasizes a partnership approach to stabilize local government finances and improve public services. The support reflects a broader strategy to revitalize local governance amidst rising demands for social services and underfunding issues.