The latest fair funding consultation has just closed. The County Councils' Network (CCN) has long called for a simpler, more transparent formula and we are very pleased that the Government proposes a much simpler set of formulae focused on the real drivers of expenditure.

The CCN still wants to see a formula that genuinely reflects the actual costs incurred by local authorities, a formula capable of responding to the growth in social care pressures. It is essential there is a strong evidence base to support the indicators, and most importantly, their weighting.