Title

FINANCE

Thousands of council jobs at risk due to funding shortfall, union warns

Tens of thousands of council jobs could be lost unless the Government addresses the current funding shortfall, Unison has warned.

Tens of thousands of council jobs could be lost unless the Government addresses the current funding shortfall, Unison has warned.

The trade union has analysed the impact of the £10bn 'fundign gap' for 2020/21, which amounts to a 21% reduction in spending compared to the previous financial year.

It found that, if social care and public health were protected from funding cuts, every other council service would see cuts of 54%.

This could could lead to the loss of 51,000 children's social workers, 141,000 adult care workers and almost 46,000 refuse collectors, according to the research.

Unison head of local government, Jon Richards, said: 'Local authorities are the key to every community, with staff delivering vital services. Local government must have the money it needs, especially as demands on local services are likely to rise.

'The money pledged by ministers so far is a drop in the ocean. Councils need the full support of government if communities are to avoid serious harm.'

FINANCE

Minister addresses council leaders on SEND reforms

By Martin Ford | 23 January 2026

The minister leading reform of services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been told councils need more powers and funding.

FINANCE

CCN: Counties and rural unitaries short changed compared to mets

By Joe Lepper | 23 January 2026

Government funding for counties and rural unitaries over the next three years will only meet 2p of every £1 they spend on meeting rising costs, County Counci...

FINANCE

Welsh Government funding boost for councils

By Joe Lepper | 22 January 2026

The Welsh Government has confirmed it will make £112.8m in additional funding available to local government in its final budget for 2026-27.

FINANCE

Government fails on mental health funding pledge

By Exclusive by Dan Peters | 21 January 2026

The Government has failed to directly fund a pledge to give 60% of pupils access to a mental health support team (MHST) by March, it has emerged.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman