Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of 'spiteful class war' as Tory and Lib Dem councils face almost £500m in funding cuts

Labour-run councils are in line for a £1.6bn funding increase over this parliament, with Birmingham — which filed for effective bankruptcy in 2023 — receiving the largest single rise. Kemi Badenoch labelled the reallocation 'financial gerrymandering' and cautioned that ordinary families would foot the bill through higher council tax. Conservative and Lib Dem leaders warn that bin collections and pothole repairs are now 'at risk'. Labour argues the money is being redirected toward more deprived communities.

Tory councils' government funding drops from £4.4bn this year to £4.1bn by 2028/29.

Buckinghamshire leader Steven Broadbent says Burnham wants growth 'just not' where Labour lacks control.

Kensington and Chelsea's Elizabeth Campbell says the cuts 'almost affect our very existence as a council'.