Member

Given the parlous state of the finances of some of our local authorities—some, such as Birmingham City Council and Woking Borough Council, had to go into administration, in 2023—it is clearly a reasonable precaution to ensure that these vital services are protected. According to local authorities themselves and an authoritative note from the House of Commons Library from July 2024, this is because all local authorities are under financial pressure due to rising populations, housing pressures, higher demand on social care and the limit above which they cannot raise council tax. In the light of the possibility that many other local authorities may have these financial pressures, I believe that Clause 35 et cetera are necessary precautions.