PCS responds to England’s council results

The results across England’s councils won’t just be felt in town halls — they’ll be felt at kitchen tables and in PCS members’ daily lives. Councils make decisions that shape the services our members and their families rely on: schools and education support, local transport planning, social care, housing and homelessness support, libraries and community provision.

A shift in local political control could mean changes to priorities, service standards, eligibility thresholds and local charges, hitting hardest where families already face stretched budgets or caring responsibilities.

While PCS members work in central government, local service changes can still affect us, through increased pressure on national systems and departments, and through the joined‑up health and care arrangements where councils are key partners.  PCS will be watching closely, challenging decisions that undermine public services, and standing with members locally and nationally to protect our communities. 

With support plummeting for the traditional two-party system, it is clear that the first past the post system is no longer fit for purpose. We are urging the UK government to introduce a fairer and more democratic voting system to reflect the multi-party politics we have today and to restore trust in our politics.  

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said "The public has delivered a damning verdict on Labour’s time in office so far. Its failure to raise living standards in line with the change that it promised has cost it dear and will continue to do so if there is not a sharp change of direction.  We urge the government to rethink its economic strategy and create an economy that works in the interests of the many, not the few.  Failure to do so will roll out the red carpet for a quasi-fascist government in 2029."

Votes are still being counted in the national elections in Scotland and Wales and PCS will be issuing reaction once results are known.