Final local government finance settlement confirmed

The Levelling up secretary has confirmed the final local government finance settlement for 2024-25, which makes available £64.7 billion for local government.

There will be up to £4.5 billion more for councils in England in 2024-25.

The package includes the already announced £600 million in extra support to bolster council budgets, including £500 million for social care.

The Funding Guarantee will ensure that all councils will see an increase in Core Spending Power of at least 4 per cent before any local choices on council tax.

Councils will be able to increase council tax by up to 3 per cent without a local referendum, with a further 2 per cent for those responsible for adult social care services.

The most relatively deprived areas of England will receive 18 per cent more per dwelling in available resource through this settlement than the least deprived areas.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove: “Today, I set out the final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024-25. This makes available up to £64.7 billion for local authorities in England, an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £4.5 billion, or 7.5% in cash terms, on 2023-24.   

“This settlement, and the changes we have made to address concerns raised through the consultation, will provide local authorities with the tools to support their local communities, continue to reform their services for the long-term, and to help communities prepare for the future.”