02 May 2024 , 15:23
958
0
Cash-strapped councils have seen their energy bills nearly double in just two years as they struggle to deliver vital services.
New data found that at least 10 local authorities now pay over £10million for energy. It has sparked calls for the Government to plug a £4billion funding gap piling misery on town halls across the country.
Data uncovered by the Lib Dems revealed that 144 councils across England were paying £183million between them on bills back in 2021/22. But two years later that had rocketed to £404million.
It has raised the alarm that services could be put at risk unless ministers step in. Lib Dem local government spokeswoman, Helen Morgan, called for a tougher windfall tax on energy giants to tackle soaring bills. She said: “Up and down the country people have seen their energy bills skyrocket under the Conservatives.
“Councils are now having to pay staggering amounts to cover the energy costs of community centres, leisure centres and sports facilities and the government has given no support. Spiralling energy bills put so many services at risk and it's local people who end up paying the price."
Six savings challenges to take in 2023 - how you could save thousands
The 10 councils with the highest energy bills, of those who responded to the Freedom of Information request, were:
- Portsmouth - £16.4million, up from £11.3million
- Cumberland Council - £15.9million, up from £6.6million
- Derbyshire County Council - £15.8million, up from £8million
- Essex County Council - £15.4million, up from £8.9million
- Hull City Council - £15million, up from £5.8million
- Hampshire County Council - £14.5million, down from £15million
- Blackpool - £12.9million, up from £8.2million
- East Riding of Yorkshire - £11.7million, up from £6million
- Bournemouth - £11million, up from £5.7million
- Suffolk County Council - £11million, up from £6.4million
In March, the cross-party Local Government Select Committee called for ministers to commit extra cash to help local authorities bridge an estimated £4billion funding gap. It said: "The Government must set out which local authorities are being prioritised and why for this financial settlement.
"The Government must also set out what longer term support will be provided to local authorities if the £4billion funding gap is not fully met in the forthcoming financial settlement."