The Local Government Association has called on the Government to create a £250m contingency fund to help councils meet the additional costs of increased migration. Research for the LGA by the Institute of Community Cohesion at the University of Coventry highlighted serious shortcomings in official population figures – reinforced by government admissions that it had underestimated the number of foreign workers by 300,000. The study, Estimating the scale and impacts of migration at the local level says many areas are experiencing high levels of migration, with increased demands on local services before any additional government funding is received. It found widespread concern at the adequacy of population estimates and flexibility of funding adjustments: ‘There is general recognition that official statistics on migration are inadequate and need to be improved, particularly at a local level.' LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton, said: ‘Official statistics on how many migrants are coming and where they are going are inadequate. ‘No-one has a real grasp of where migrants are settling, so much-needed funding for local services isn't getting to the right places. ‘The shortcomings of official population figures are placing pressure on services such as education and housing, and can even lead to unnecessary tension and conflict.' The LGA is to make formal submissions to the Commons' treasury committee inquiry into ‘Counting the population' and the Lords' economic affairs committee inquiry into the economic impact of immigration. PLUS: A survey by Slough Council of 63 council chief executives in England and Wales, found 59% said migration had a positive effect on their area, but only 10% thought the ONS had performed well in accounting for recent migration, and 77% did not expect estimates to improve over the next year.
