Labour's local government finance reforms will leave a £34 million black hole in H&F Council's finances.
When the IFS report stated clearly that the reforms would trigger council tax rises of 27%, Labour's Cabinet Member for Finance dismissed this as 'utter tosh'.
LBHF are now projecting a £34m budget gap for 2026/27. There are two ways to close it: council tax rises or spending cuts. We know which Labour will choose.
So, when the Cabinet Member made those statements weeks ago, did he just not know the numbers – or was he hoping this would disappear? Either way, this approach gives me little faith in Labour’s grip on the finances.
The last time the Conservatives ran the Council, we inherited a debt of over £200 million; by the end of our 8 years in charge, this had been reduced to around £60 million - all the while delivering better services.
Make no mistake, under Labour it will be hard-working taxpayers here in Hammersmith & Fulham that will foot the bill to keep the borough afloat, all so the Labour Government can bailout failed authorities like Birmingham.
Once again, H&F Labour refuse to stand up to their government. For them it's party first, borough second.
Read more here: https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/west-london-council-expects-34m-32476511
