Political leaders in Dudley are divided over the impact of a major new government funding package announced for the borough, with the Conservative-run council's leader warning that the devil is in the detail.
A Three-Year Deal for Financial Planning
On December 17, the Labour government in Westminster announced its latest finance settlement for local authorities. For Dudley Council, this means a new three-year deal worth £75.9 million. The borough's Labour group states this represents a significant 22 percent increase in the council's core spending power.
Labour MP for Stourbridge and Dudley councillor, Cat Eccles, welcomed the multi-year agreement. She said it would enable the council to plan ahead for the first time in over a decade, leading to more investment in local services.
"This means more money for local services – cleaner and safer streets, fixing roads, protecting libraries, and reviving high streets," Cllr Eccles stated. "This is on top of additional funding for potholes, homelessness, and SEND. I'll be calling on Dudley Council to restore and improve our local services as it's what residents deserve."
Conservative Caution and Criticism of Timing
However, the council's Conservative leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, struck a more cautious note. He expressed frustration that the detailed settlement documents were released after 5pm, leaving finance officers to analyse complex information at the last minute.
"It's far too early to get over excited as the devil will be in the detail," Cllr Harley remarked. "They have given a three-year settlement which is welcome but having taken away every single grant and funding stream, they have wrapped all of them into one single grant."
While acknowledging the council is likely better off, Harley estimated a preliminary gain of £6-8 million per year and stressed the need for thorough analysis before celebrating.
A 'Turning Point' After Years of Cuts
Dudley Labour's shadow cabinet member for finance, Cllr Shaukat Ali, framed the announcement as a corrective to historic underfunding. He highlighted that core spending power fell by around a quarter under previous Conservative governments, forcing the council to make £6.1 million in cuts to avoid effective bankruptcy.
"This announcement marks a turning point," Cllr Ali asserted. He also praised the government's new Fair Funding approach, designed to direct more resources to less affluent areas. "Places that have been left behind will finally get the investment they deserve," he added.
Despite the previous financial crisis, the current administration reports restored stability. Cabinet member for finance, Cllr Steve Clark, noted the council had exceeded its target for topping up reserves, which now stand at more than £36 million, improving its resilience against future challenges.
The debate in Dudley reflects a wider national discussion on local government finance, balancing immediate relief with long-term, sustainable funding for essential public services.
