Rachel Reeves’ 2025 Budget delivers £26bn in tax rises, freezes income tax thresholds until 2031, and introduces levies like the mansion tax and EV mileage charge. While billed as “fair,” it squeezes households, adds complexity for councils, and delays SEND relief. Local government faces rising demand, fragile funding, and political risk. Explore what this means for officers and members and the sector-led actions needed now.

Discover the true financial scale of England’s care and support services. This blog explores the rising costs of adult social care (£34.5bn), children’s social services, SEND provision (£10.5bn+), and temporary accommodation (£2.8bn). With over £50bn spent annually, we unpack what’s driving these pressures, the implications for local government, and why urgent reform is needed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable public service delivery.

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares her first Autumn Budget, the Local Government Association (LGA) warns of a £2.3bn funding gap in 2025/26, rising to £3.9bn in 2026/27. Councils face impossible choices without urgent support. This blog explores the LGA’s proposals, whether Reeves will act, and the consequences of inaction. Will she reset the relationship with local government or risk deepening the crisis in public services?