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<p>The financial settlements for South Tyneside and for Gateshead are broadly flat
in cash terms between 2016-17 and 19-20. As democratically elected organisations,
local authorities such as South Tyneside and Gateshead are independent of central
government and are responsible for managing their budgets in line with local priorities.
In 2016-17 we offered local authorities a 4-year settlement that guarantees their
allocations for Revenue Support Grant, Rural Services Delivery Grant and Transition
Grant, and that Business Rates top up and tariff payments will not change to reflect
changes in relative needs. This offer was accepted by 97 per cent of councils including
South Tyneside and Gateshead, enabling authorities to plan ahead with confidence,
and meet the challenge of making savings, while continuing to provide excellent services
to local communities.</p>
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