Local Government Finance

Adnan Hussain Excerpts

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for all the work he has done, as part of our homelessness strategy, to draw attention to homelessness and rough sleeping in his city of Exeter, which is a wonderful place and deserves to have the county council and others look after it properly. This investment in local authorities will make sure that everyone in our country feels proud of the place where they live. We want to see all our places grow, and I expect all councils to do that work. I look forward to meeting him to discuss this issue further.

[Mr Adnan Hussain (Blackburn) (Ind)]

I welcome the Government’s funding formula, but I would like to bring to the Minister’s attention my conversation with my local council leader and its chief executive just last week. They are worried that the council cannot afford the spiralling cost of children’s services. For one particular child, the cost is £25,000 a week. Councils often have no choice but to rely on private providers at market rates. Will the Minister commit to tackle the cost of private provision, or look into introducing a cap?

[Alison McGovern]

I think I answered that question in my statement. I am just as concerned about the cost as the hon. Member is.