South Gloucestershire Labour is extremely disappointed – but not surprised – at the Government’s response to its letter calling for more funding for local councils.

HM Treasury responded today saying the Government was “grateful… for drawing attention to the issues set out…”

It added that it was “always keen to receive feedback from people up and down the country…”

You can read the full response below.

South Gloucestershire Council’s funding allocation from central government’s decreased by 30 percent over the last seven years, prompting members to push for more financial support.

Council Co-Leader and Labour Group Leader Ian Boulton said: “They might been keen to receive feedback, but it certainly doesn’t look like they’re keen to act on it.

“We’re having to make around £50m in cuts and efficiency savings in the next five years. If it’s not a legal requirement, it’s at serious risk of going – if it hasn’t gone already.

“Councils like ours need proper funding to give residents the services they deserve.

“We hope they didn’t waste a postage stamp on this letter.”