Sensemaker Why are councils selling off their resources?
Dec 2, 2025
Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, discusses the financial pressures on local governments, revealing how 60% of councils are selling assets like shopping arcades to fund essential services. He warns against quick sales that might undervalue community resources. Julian Pritchard, a Green Party councillor, highlights the devastating impact of losing youth centers, urging for fair taxation to support vital services instead of cuts. Together, they explore the urgent need for ethical asset management and fair funding reforms.
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Asset Sales Mask Deep Funding Shortfalls
- Local councils face severe long-term funding cuts and are using asset sales to raise cash.
- Selling assets is unsustainable because assets are finite and can't fund recurring services indefinitely.
Use Sales To Reconfigure Services
- Councils must use capital raised from sales to change service delivery, not for day-to-day spending.
- Reinvest proceeds into efficiencies like new systems so recurring costs can be reduced.
Milton Keynes Keeps Facilities Locally Run
- Milton Keynes has transferred nurseries, leisure centres and community hubs into community ownership.
- The community now runs these facilities so they remain open and serve local needs.