Title

HIGHWAYS

England's poorest areas hardest hit by austerity

Residents living in England’s most deprived areas were hit hardest by the largest local authority spending cuts during a decade of austerity, a think-tank has found.

Residents living in England's most deprived areas were hit hardest by the largest local authority spending cuts during a decade of austerity, a think-tank has found.

A new report from the Institute for Government (IfG) revealed how grant cuts and the rising demand for social care shrunk the scope of local government in England.

The IfG found the most grant-dependent and deprived areas such as Birmingham, Lambeth and Salford were more likely to make deeper cuts to neighbourhood services.

For example, deprived areas were more likely to report reductions in bus routes and libraries.

The think-tank added the Government lacks information on two-thirds of neighbourhood services spending.

HIGHWAYS

Experts' 'concern' over LGR decision-making

By Martin Ford | 27 February 2026

Experts have raised concerns as ministers are set to make final decisions on proposals for local government reorganisation.

HIGHWAYS

Connections with clout

By Paul Marinko | 26 February 2026

Ahead of The MJ’s LATCo Conference in Birmingham, Paul Marinko explores why local authority trading companies (LATCos) are fast becoming indispensable to cou...

HIGHWAYS

A pivotal moment for mayors

By Ann McGauran | 25 February 2026

The recent devolution Bill and the Government’s consultation on visitor levies are seen as positive steps on the road to fiscal devolution, but does it go fa...

HIGHWAYS

Neighbourhood watch

By David Blackman | 20 February 2026

With the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund expiring imminently, the launch of the Pride in Place programme has placed a renewed focus on neighbourhood regeneration...

Popular articles by William Eichler