Local elections: council budgets are financial black holes – what's the point in voting?

May local elections have finally arrived. As 5066 local council seats are contested, many are wondering whether there is any point in voting. These councils manage budgets worth hundreds of millions of pounds – budgets decided by national government. Given the amount of statutory spending on areas like SEND and care homes, there is very little room for change inside local government. Michael Simmons has the data. Contributions also from Cllr Max Austin, Wimbledon & Cllr Zander West, Basingstoke & Deane. This episode is brought to you by Artemis Fund Managers, for more information on our fund range please click here https://www.artemisfunds.com/ . #localelections #greenparty #reformuk #polanski #ziayusuf // SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPECTATOR Get 12 issues for £12, plus a free £20 John Lewis/Waitrose voucher https://www.spectator.co.uk/tvoffer // FREE PODCASTS FROM THE SPECTATOR Hear more from The Spectator's journalists on their podcasts, covering everything from the politics of the UK, US and China, to religion, literature, lifestyle and more. https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/ // FOLLOW US https://www.twitter.com/spectator https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSpectator https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-spectator https://www.instagram.com/spectator1828 https://www.tiktok.com/@thespectatormagazine