The government is locked in a battle to prevent local authorities from adopting a four-day working week for staff, as councils across England prepare to hike charges for residents.
Minister Issues Stern Warning to Town Halls
In a significant intervention, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has written to all English councils cautioning them against offering staff full-time pay for part-time hours. The letter, seen by the Telegraph, states that such practices could be viewed as an indicator of potential failure.
Mr Reed warned that councils persisting with the approach risk being labelled as 'failing' and could face being placed under special measures. He emphasised his desire to make the government's opposition to the policy 'unambiguously clear'.
South Cambridgeshire at the Centre of the Row
The Liberal Democrat-run South Cambridgeshire District Council finds itself at the heart of the controversy. It became the first local authority in the UK to make a permanent shift to a four-day week in July this year, following a trial that began in 2023.
Mr Reed has previously criticised a decline in the council's housing service performance, demanding to know how it planned to address the issue. Despite this, the council argues the shorter week saves around £400,000 annually by reducing staff turnover and cutting reliance on agency workers.
Limited Powers and Wider Implications
While central government is strongly opposed, its direct powers to force councils to abandon the four-day week are limited. The Secretary of State can send in commissioners to take over certain functions, but this is reserved for 'very exceptional circumstances' as a last resort.
The clash comes at a sensitive time for household finances. Almost all local authorities are expected to raise council tax by up to the 5% cap for the next three years, with some considering even bigger increases.
A Labour source underscored the party's stance, stating: 'Voters deserve high standards and hard work from local councils, and seeing council staff working a four-day week just won't cut it.' This aligns with Sir Keir Starmer's rejection of civil servants' calls for a shorter working week.
With fears that the policy could hit productivity and strain public finances, the government's warning is seen as a major deterrent. Reports suggest up to 25 other councils are considering similar moves, making this a critical national issue for local government efficiency.
