London Councils chair Cllr Peter John OBE has called on the government to set out a long term vision for the future of local government to address the unprecedented pressures arising from core funding reductions and rising demand.

Responding to the Budget, Cllr John said; “London is a vibrant and diverse city that delivers a net fiscal surplus of £32.5 billion a year to the national economy. We need public services to match our capabilities and ambition.

“The Autumn Budget does little to offer a long term vision for the future of local government that would put London boroughs in a financially sustainable position.

“The cash injections and other short term measures for local government delivered in the Budget do not match the scale of the challenges facing London’s local services.

“With vulnerable residents and vital public services on the line, a long term vision for the future of local government must be a priority for next year’s Spending Review.”