Warwick's MP has described a planned £600 million emergency grant for councils as "measly" and "weak" amidst mounting pressure on local authorities across the country.

Secretary of State Michael Gove yesterday (January 24) announced some £500 million would be given to boost social care, with the remaining £100 million in grants shared out to combat the growing financial pressures at town halls nationwide.

The levelling up secretary described the move as "exceptional provision" after multiple MPs written to him calling for more support.

But Labour representative for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western said the offer did not scratch the surface.

"This funding is a measly offering in a weak attempt to try and address the massive financial difficulties councils of all political stripes are facing up and down the country," he said.

"Over a decade of successive Conservative governments has left a gaping hole in so many council's budgets and this latest sticking plaster will not fix that.  

"The government should step up and provide councils with the funding they need to make long-term plans, rather than these short-term measures."

The news comes as Warwickshire County Council revealed a predicted major overspend on its budget.

In particular the council needs to find £17.5 million extra to cover the shortfall in High Needs Block funding - money from the government to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 25.

But speaking to MPs Mr Gove said the prime minister Rishi Sunak has prioritised halving council cost pressures caused by inflation.

"The government has also listened to the sector and to the issues raised by members of the house," he said.

"For this reason, I am today announcing a wide-ranging package of support for local government."