Tory group accuses Labour of ‘losing control of finances’

BIRMINGHAM’S Labour leadership should stop moaning about cuts because they will eventually get a funding increase over four years, opposition Tories claim.

The Government funding breakdown shows that after being cut from £863 million this year to £843 million next, the council’s spending powerwill actually rise to £868 million by 2019/20 as other funding streams come through – including £6.7 million better care funding for social services and a further £5.6 million adult social care support grant.

Conservative group leader Robert Alden said: “Had the Labour council delivered on its agreed budget last year the council would not have had to consult on any additional savings this year. Sadly, here in Birmingham, the council have lost all control of the finances and Labour have run up a huge black hole.

“The council’s spending power actually increases each year after next year so there are no excuses for the council to be cutting services for vulnerable people”.

He added: “Birmingham will be getting the largest Better Care Fund settlement in the country and the third highest Adult Social Care Support Grant. Yet, Labour claim the Government has it in for the city.

“Are they really saying that the city getting the highest grants in the country is a bad thing?”

But Labour council leader John Clancy accused the Government of a ‘smoke and mirrors’ approach to funding social care, saying money announced this week will be wiped off the balance sheet elsewhere. He said the council stood to lose £11.4 million from the New Homes Bonus over three years. The council had expected £47.6 million over three years but is getting £36.2 million, wiping out gains on social care.