Residents urged to back campaign against 'unfair' government funding cuts

Richmond Council is urging residents to back its campaign against government funding reforms which would strip £29 million a year from the borough by 2028/29 and put vital local services under severe pressure.

The proposals would leave Richmond facing the biggest percentage reduction in core funding of any London borough. In response, the Council is launching a consultation asking residents to back a formal proposal calling on the government to rethink the plans.

Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts said: "Calling this Fair Funding is inaccurate. It's not fair to Richmond, and it's not fair to residents, as it takes funding away from the services they rely on.

"We have done the right thing in Richmond. For eight years we have managed our finances responsibly, delivered savings of almost £60 million a year, taken the difficult decisions and protected vital services.

"We haven't shied away from increasing council tax. We have done everything we can to run an efficient council and protect residents’ money. And now we are being punished for doing exactly that.

"By stripping Richmond of nearly 60% of its core funding – the biggest percentage cut in London – the government risks financially destabilising this council and putting even greater pressure on the services residents rely on.

"This is too much, too fast and it isn't sustainable.

"We will continue to fight to get the government to change track. We want them to work with councils to find a better solution, rather than forcing through changes which risk making the local government financial crisis even worse."

Richmond has been campaigning against the proposals for almost a year and was among councils challenging earlier iterations of the funding review, arguing the government's approach fails to recognise the borough’s financial pressures and growing demand for services.

The Council is now asking residents to support three key changes:

• Rethink of the proposed funding allocations
• An extended transition period in line with previous funding reviews
• A greater share of locally generated income for councils

Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance Lead, added: "Our residents deserve better than this. They should not be punished for living in a borough where the council has worked hard to manage its finances responsibly.

"The consequences of these funding cuts would be serious. This consultation gives residents an opportunity to make their voices heard. Together, we will continue to make the strongest possible case to government for a funding system that properly reflects Richmond’s needs."

The consultation will inform a formal proposal to government under the Sustainable Communities Act, legislation that allows councils to seek changes to laws, policies or other barriers affecting their communities.

It comes as the latest step in Richmond's campaign against the proposals and gives residents the opportunity to add their voice to calls for change.

Residents will also be asked to consider the potential impact of the proposed funding changes on the council’s budget and identify the services they value most.

Richmond residents are urged to have their say and back the campaign.

Hear more from Cllr Roberts and Cllr Millard on the government funding reforms.