While insisting the government is still committed to its localism agenda, Kerslake told the Communities and Local Government Committee: “We have to recognise in a period where growth is a priority, we have to bear down on authorities which are not performing to a reasonable standard.”
Asked whether the cuts might reduce the number of qualified staff councils can employ, Kerslake argued “you can’t say it is all down to financial pressure” as councils choose where to spend funds.