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<p>I would like to assure my noble Friend that the Government monitors the financial
health of local authorities on a regular basis using a wide range of data as well
as through extensive direct engagement with councils.</p><p>We are aware of the recent
concerns relating to Somerset council with regards its financial position. While individual
councils are responsible for managing their budgets, the Department has been clear
that we are willing to have discussions with any council that has concerns about its
ability to manage its finances or faces pressures it has not planned for.</p><p>For
2023/24, the final Local Government Finance Settlement made available up to £59.7
billion for local government in England, an increase in Core Spending Power of up
to £5.1 billion or 9.4% in cash terms on 2022/23.</p>
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