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LGA chairman, Baroness Margaret Eaton, has hit back at central government attacks on local government, and called on councils to pull together during the unprecedented budget cuts. Speaking exclusively to LocalGov.co.uk sister title The MJ, Lady Eaton claimed the current financial situation ‘will challenge local authorities more than they have ever been challenged before' but, she added: ‘I think it doesn't help when ministers trivialise it by comparing councils with bankers.' Lady Eaton: ‘we have a lot of hard-working individuals in local government' As for the attacks on chief executive pay, Lady Eaton said: ‘Certain politicians are peddling the view that top officers in local government are causing the financial problem.' She claimed: ‘It's dishonest to compare the salaries of officers and politicians.' The comparison was further muddied because ‘they quote gross pay for the chief executives, and net for the prime minister'. She defended staff over central government attacks over road gritting during the snow, claiming frontline workers did ‘a marvellous job'. ‘It gives staff a real feeling of not being valued, and we have a lot of hard-working individuals in local government.' As news came this week that another council has decided to hand its notice into the LGA, Lady Eaton called on councils to stick together or risk facing a situation of ‘divide and rule'. As part of its budget-setting process, Brighton and Hove City Council has decide to hand in its 12-month notice while it reviews the service and cost of its LGA membership. Brighton's leader, Mary Mears, said the council was going through the budget ‘line by line', in an effort to protect frontline services. She added: ‘In order to withdraw in 2012, if that is what we eventually decide, we need to give 12 months' notice.' The council joins 10 other authorities which are currently on notice, in addition to five councils which have left the association. Lady Eaton told The MJ: ‘We all understand that when resources are as tight as they are, members will look to see where they can make savings. ‘Inevitably, that will mean some authorities considering the subscriptions they pay to the LGA.' The association has announced that it will reduce subscription fees for three years in line with formula grant in an effort to help cash-strapped councils, as well as taking a 38% cut in top-slice cash from the Government. It is now focusing on how to help local authorities come through the recession.

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WHITEHALL

Back off, LGA chief urges CLG ministers

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