Redbridge Council response to the 2026/27 Local Government Finance Settlement

Published: 19 December 2025

Redbridge Council has welcomed the additional funding announced in the 2026/27 Local Government Finance Settlement. The council will receive at least £63 million more over the next three years, marking a significant improvement in its financial position.

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said:

“For years, we’ve faced repeated cuts to government funding, even as demand for housing and social care has soared. Despite these pressures, we’ve kept the services our communities value most — social care, libraries, leisure centres, and our award‑winning parks — open and going, even as many other councils have been forced to cut theirs.

“For over a decade, we’ve fought hard for our residents but have been ignored by successive governments. Over the last year, ministers and government advisers have opened the door, met with me and listened to our case that the funding formula has been unfair and unfit for purpose. I’m delighted that, following our lobbying, we’ve secured a fairer deal for Redbridge. But because of years of underfunding, we will still need support over the next three years, and rest assured we will continue to spend and manage our money carefully.

“The finance model for local government simply didn’t work. These new arrangements are a step in the right direction and will allow us to protect and invest in your services — but after 14 years of austerity we must reinvest in them.

“My next immediate priority is securing funding from the government to rebuild and reopen Broadmead Road Bridge.

“In the meantime, we will continue striving for excellence in the vital services that our neighbours rely on every day.”