English local authorities have cut services spending by twice the amount of authorities in Scotland and Wales since 2010, according to new research.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that the average reduction in service spending has fallen 24% in England, compared to just 12% in Wales and 11.5% in Scotland.
The study concluded that devolved powers have allowed the Scottish and Welsh governments to mitigate the harshest cuts experience in parts of England.
It also found that the most severe cuts to local service spending between 2010 and 2017 were in areas of “multiple deprivation”.
Northern councils have been hit with the deepest cuts to local spending, closely followed by parts of London. The ten worst affected councils include Salford, South Tyneside and Wigan, as well as the London boroughs of Camden and Hammersmith and Fulham. Westminster council had a drop in service spending of 46% – the most significant in the UK.
The report argued that initiatives claimed by government to ameliorate austerity, such as local retention of business taxes, will only serve to fuel unfair competition and inequality between regions.
Dr Mia Gray, senior lecturer at the University of Cambridge department of geography, said: “Wealthier areas can generate revenues from business tax, while others sell off buildings such as former back offices to plug gaping holes in council budgets.
“The councils in greatest need have the weakest local economies. Many areas with populations that are ageing or struggling to find employment have very little in the way of a public safety net.
