Budget and Spending Review: CCN Submission

Our Budget 2024 and Spending Review submission warns that county councils and unitary authorities face a severe and escalating financial crisis, driven by surging demand in adults’ and children’s social care, SEND, and Home to school transport.  

We argue that without immediate stability, investment, and long‑term reform, County Councils Network (CCN) member authorities will be unable to meet statutory duties or support national economic and social ambitions.

Key findings:

• Councils face a £54.2bn cumulative funding gap by 2029/30; CCN members account for £20.3bn of this.  
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• Core pressures stem from adult social care, children’s services and SEND transport, which make up to 89% of increased spending need for CCN councils.  
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• SEND demand is rising sharply, with EHCP costs projected to reach £12bn in England by 2026.  
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• Reliance on council tax or business rates cannot close the gap sustainably.

Recommendations:

• Provide short‑term financial stability, retaining all existing funding and delivering an emergency resource injection. Undertake a long‑term, evidence‑based funding settlement.
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• Deliver system‑wide reforms across SEND, children’s placements, working‑age adult care, and home‑to‑school transport.
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• Expand affordable housing, strengthen devolution, and align planning, infrastructure and growth powers with county needs