£4bn hole in council funding must be fixed, MPs warn
MPs have issued a stark warning that the Government must address a £4 billion funding shortfall in council budgets to prevent more local authorities from becoming bankrupt. In the past six years, eight councils have been unable to balance their budgets, compared to none in the previous 18 years. The cross-party levelling up committee highlighted the urgent need for action, with increased demands in social care, children's services, and homelessness exacerbating the crisis. The Local Government Association warns that one in five English councils are on the verge of bankruptcy, with many unable to fund essential services. Despite the Government's proposal to increase council funding by 6.5% for 2024-5, MPs argue this is insufficient to close the £4 billion gap. The Local Government Association acknowledges these challenges, foreseeing inevitable council tax hikes and service cuts. Despite the £600m support package for councils announced last week, MPs stress the need for more comprehensive financial solutions.
Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health
The Government is set to ban disposable vapes in an effort to reduce vaping among youth, following an alarming rise in use by 11- to 17-year-olds. The ban will target the marketing and sale of vapes to children, with Rishi Sunak ensuring access to vaping alternatives for adult smokers. Despite being less harmful than cigarettes, vaping’s long-term health impacts remain uncertain. The vaping industry criticises the ban, fearing it will fuel a black market and put children at greater risk. The proposal, seen as a balance between protecting children and aiding smokers, follows a trend in countries like Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Additionally, nicotine pouches will be banned for minors. The Government will consult on specific measures, such as sales methods for refillable vapes. New fines will be introduced for illegal sales to minors, and a £30m package will support enforcement. The ban has faced varied reactions; some advocate stricter import and access controls as more effective solutions.
Covid still evolving
Four years into the Covid pandemic, the virus continues to evolve rapidly, affecting the UK population and healthcare system. Approximately 1.2 million people in England and Scotland are now estimated to have Covid; the latest significant strain is the JN1 variant of Omicron. Despite lower peaks than in previous years, the virus still causes multiple waves, exacerbated by reduced vaccination scope and emerging variants. Hospitalisations have declined, with fewer than 5,000 weekly admissions in England since early 2023, thanks to vaccine effectiveness. The anti-vax movement has influenced public perception, but vaccines have significantly reduced Covid mortality. Long Covid remains a concern, affecting almost two million people in the UK and adding financial strain to healthcare services. Excess deaths in 2023 were still above the five-year average, indicating ongoing challenges for the NHS, including treatment backlogs. The pandemic has underscored health inequalities and the importance of comprehensive public health strategies. Future measures include seasonal vaccines and improved indoor air quality to combat evolving variants.
France: farmers’ protest continues
Dozens of farmers were arrested on 31 January after breaking into the huge Rungis wholesale food market south of Paris, during their ongoing protests. Emmanuel Macron’s government had warned farmers not to approach the market, which feeds twelve million people a day. But that failed to take into account the level of anger over what farmers view as unacceptably low pay, stifling red tape, unworkable European policies, and unfair competition from foreign rivals. 91 farmers managed to enter the Rungis site and were arrested for ‘damaging goods’, though they claim they caused no harm. While progress was reported in discussions with new prime minister Gabriel Attal, the protests reflect the deep-seated grievances of farmers against policies they view as detrimental to their livelihoods. At present 4,500 tractors are blocking eighty spots along major roads.
