A £120m package of additional funding to support local authorities has been confirmed today.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said the substantial package for 2024 to 2025 will support crucial areas including education, social care and housing, ensuring councils can continue delivering essential services in their communities.
The Cabinet Secretary said:
“Local authorities are our key partners – they deliver the services we rely on every day and we recognise the real challenges and financial pressures they’re facing.
“This additional funding recognises and will help alleviate some of these pressures and support a range of housing, education and social care services.
“We’re committed to strengthening local governments, helping them plan for the future and deliver for the people of Wales.”
The Welsh Local Government Association welcomed the new in-year funding. Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader said:
“This additional one-off funding is a welcome boost for councils across Wales, and it reflects the critical role local authorities play in delivering the services our communities depend on.
“Our schools, social care teams, and housing services are facing unprecedented pressures, so it’s reassuring to see this support for essential areas.
“The support for schools is particularly important, ensuring that pupils receive the assistance they require to thrive in education and beyond. This funding will help councils continue their vital work, delivering for the people of Wales despite the financial challenges we face.”
Some of the funding in this package for local government was included in the £157m for the First Minister’s priorities, which was announced at the beginning of the week.
Local authorities will also receive some additional funding to support domiciliary care in 2024 to 2025 following a decision by the Welsh Government to retain the £100-a-week maximum charge for home-based care.
The additional funding for local authorities includes:
- £52.3m to support local government pay pressures for 2024 to 2025
- £10m invested in social housing
- Support for domiciliary care – the £100 a week maximum care charge will be maintained
- £10m for reablement services to increase community-based care and improve hospital discharge
- £30m to support schools
- £18.2m for the 2024 to 2025 teachers' pay award