Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP united with other Conservative MPs to lobby the Government ahead of its £600 million council funding boost announcement yesterday (Wednesday, January 24).

The MPs joined forces to address concerns from councils regarding high inflation and increasing demand for adult social care that have strained budgets.

Following representations from the leaders and chief executives from Cotswold and Stroud District Councils, it was confirmed by Michael Gove MP, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, that the Government has heard these issues and will be providing £600 million worth of additional measures for councils.

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This includes £500 million in new funding for social care through the Social Care Grant.

According to the announcement, this increase will result in an up to £4.5 billion hike in the core spending power for councils in England next year, bringing the total to over £64 billion.

The additional funding is expected to enhance the delivery of frontline services and ensure effective and efficient service levels, maximising value for money.

The Cotswolds MP said: "I am delighted that following my meeting with the minister for local government, Simon Hoare MP, that he has listened to the concerns I raised regarding the local government finance settlement.

"The settlement has been increased by £600m with £500m going to social care.

"The funding guarantee increased from 3 per cent to 4 per cent enabling core spending for Local Authorities to increase by £4bn from last year to £64bn.

He added: "The Rural delivery grant will increase by £15m and there will be a provision of £3m for Local Authorities like Stroud struggling with increased levies from Internal Drainage boards.

"I know all Councils will welcome this extra money because inflation has dropped."