Stuart Anderson MP has endorsed plans which would deliver millions more pounds for public services in Wolverhampton. The plans, which are part of the Local Government Finance Settlement, would see funding available to the City of Wolverhampton Council grow by £18.9 million in 2022/23.
The annual determination of funding for local government is currently subject to consultation. Stuart has written in favour of the plans, which would make an extra £3.5 billion available to local councils, including over £1 billion for social care. It would equip councils with the largest cash increase in a decade, including £822 million for vital frontline services.
The plans would see core spending power available to the City of Wolverhampton Council increase by 7.7% to £264.8 million. It would include £477,000 for services such as homelessness, planning, recycling and refuse collection. Wolverhampton would also benefit from a £1.6 million New Homes Bonus, as well as a £14.8 million Improved Better Care Fund and £15.4 million for the Social Care Grant.
The funding for social care would build on £931,990 Wolverhampton has received in recent months to help the care sector respond to workforce challenges this winter. This funding includes a £162.5 million Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund. The City will also benefit from £197,247 funding via the Local Reform and Community Voices Grant.
Stuart also welcomed the Government’s announcement schools in Wolverhampton will receive £295 million in funding next year. This represents a funding boost of £25 million. Every primary school will receive at least £4,362 per pupil, and every secondary school at least £5,669 per pupil. It follows the investment of nearly £5 billion in education recovery, which includes £1.5 billion on tutoring in schools and colleges across the country to help children and young people catch up on lost learning during the pandemic.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “Public services have been at the forefront of our response to COVID-19, and there have been many stories of individuals going above and beyond to serve their community at this challenging time. I am delighted that councils are set to benefit from the largest increase in grant funding for 10 years. The plans will also help to level up and re-balance education funding around our country, giving all young people the great opportunities that they need to succeed.”
