Will Forster MP's Speech on Local Government Finance

On the 5th of February 2025, Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Woking, delivered a powerful speech in the House of Commons addressing the ongoing crisis in local government finance. In his remarks, Will highlighted the damaging impact of years of Conservative mismanagement on local councils, particularly focusing on the situation in his own constituency of Woking.

Will began by outlining the crucial role local governments play in supporting communities. "Local government should be the bedrock of our communities," he said, stressing that councils are essential in providing vital services, investing in infrastructure, and planning for the future. However, Will argued that decades of reckless financial decisions, driven by Conservative policies, have left many local authorities struggling to survive.

The Crisis in Woking

The speech centred around the financial crisis facing Woking Borough Council, which is burdened with a staggering £2 billion debt. Will made it clear that this debt is a direct consequence of irresponsible Conservative decisions, compounded by a government that failed to intervene in time to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

The fallout from this financial disaster, Will argued, has left the residents of Woking to bear the brunt of brutal cuts to essential services. Public services have been scaled back, community projects sidelined, and council tax increased, all while support for the most vulnerable members of society has been slashed. "The government’s funding settlement does nothing to address this injustice," Will remarked, echoing the frustration of his constituents.

The Legacy of Conservative Mismanagement

Will detailed the mismanagement that led to Woking’s current financial woes. Under the previous Conservative administration, the council made a series of high-risk investments, pouring public money into speculative property deals that ultimately failed. These projects, designed to generate income, instead left local taxpayers with an unmanageable debt. "Where was the oversight?" Will questioned, pointing out that the Conservative government repeatedly turned a blind eye to the mounting financial problems until it was too late.

The MP made it clear that the burden of this mismanagement has not fallen on the shoulders of those responsible. "It is the residents, like the people of Woking, already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, who are being asked to pay the price," Will said, emphasising the unfairness of the situation.

A Glimmer of Support

Despite the dire circumstances, Will acknowledged that the government had taken some action in response to the crisis in Woking. He thanked the Local Government minister for agreeing to lower the interest rate on Woking Council’s borrowing, which will save the council around £20 million a year. While this was a step in the right direction, Will cautioned that it was not enough to fully address the damage caused by years of mismanagement.

Will argued that councils like Woking require urgent, targeted support, not a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to account for the unique challenges faced by each local authority. He criticised the government’s Recovery Grant, calling it insufficient to support councils on the brink of bankruptcy.

Wider Issues Facing Local Government

Will also addressed the broader issues facing local councils across the country. He highlighted cuts to social care, local transport, and homelessness support, which are all contributing to a decline in essential services. With demand for services rising and costs soaring, councils are being forced to make tough decisions to balance their books.

He was particularly critical of the government’s handling of social care. Despite claims that local authorities providing social care would be better off under the current funding settlement, Will pointed out that the £9.9 billion allocated for social care this year is far from enough to meet the growing demand. Without proper reform, he warned, the crisis in social care will only worsen.

The Need for a New Approach

Will concluded his speech by outlining the Liberal Democrat position on local government finance. He emphasised the need for proper funding to allow councils to deliver essential services and tackle the growing social care crisis. The Liberal Democrats also believe in giving councils the freedom to set planning fees that reflect the actual cost of services and restoring trust in local government finance.

"The people of Woking should not have to pay for Conservative incompetence," Will stated. He called on the Labour Party to take responsibility and ensure that councils in financial distress receive the support they need before more communities are pushed to the brink.

In his final remarks, Will urged the government to take swift and decisive action to address the financial crisis facing local authorities. "The time for talking is over," he concluded. "We need action, and we need it now."

Will’s speech has been widely praised for its clear-eyed assessment of the challenges facing local government and its call for a fairer, more targeted approach to supporting councils in crisis. As the pressure on local authorities continues to mount, Will’s words are likely to resonate with communities across the country struggling to keep essential services afloat.