Weighting for Deprivation: Fair Funding Review

Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab)
20. Which local authority service areas will no longer be weighted for deprivation following the fair funding review.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (James Brokenshire)
Deprivation is an important driver of local authority costs, which is why we have proposed that it will be taken into account in four significant service areas, including adult and children’s social care. Together, these account for up to two thirds of councils’ total spending covered by the review.

Yvonne Fovargue
Will the Secretary of State agree to the Local Government Association’s calls for the Government to publish more of the analysis that has informed the fair funding review proposals?

James Brokenshire
Obviously, work continues and we see the recommendations and representations that have been made. Population is by far the most important factor for more universal services covered by the foundation formula; deprivation was shown to have a small effect over and above this. We continue to keep the matter under review, and will share data as and when appropriate as part of that work.