Labour mulling over speed of finance system overhaul

摘要

Labour is wrestling with how quickly to reform the local government finance system if it is elected next year. The party has already pledged to review the system but is currently debating internally over whether to rush through reform in its first few months in power or spend more time conducting an overhaul. Shadow local government minister Andy Sawford told the Local Government Association's (LGA) annual finance conference last week that some colleagues had argued that a review of the formula would take closer to 18 months. Former Department for Communities and Local Government ministers John Healey and Nick Raynsford both believe such a review cannot be completed by the first autumn of a Labour Government, Mr Sawford said. Mr Sawford looked for soundings from delegates, who included finance portfolio holders and officers, on the speed of reform.