Northumberland Labour’s Deputy Leader Liz Dunn said: “After years of local services taking a hammering under the Conservatives, Labour has today guaranteed that no council will see a reduction in spending power – and that comes on top of a huge increase in support to tackle potholes and more funds to take on rough sleeping too.

“Turning this country round after 14 years of failure under the Conservatives will take time – but the work of change has begun, and days like today will go an awfully long way towards getting this country back on its feet.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: 

“Councils deliver vital services across the country – driving growth and local economies and providing a lifeline for those that need it most.

“Through our Plan for Change we are determined to fix the foundations of local government; investing where it is needed, trusting local leaders and working together to deliver growth, better health and social care services and the affordable homes people need.”

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said: 

“We have been clear we will fix the foundations of local government. That means an end to short-term solutions and instead rebuilding the sector to put councils on a more stable and secure footing.   “Local leaders play a crucial role in delivering the day-to-day services communities across the country rely on, which is why we want to work with them towards a fairer funding model that tackles regional inequality and prioritises outcomes for local people.”