<p>Local authorities receive funding through the Local Government Finance Settlement, and this year’s settlement delivers a 4.4 per cent increase from £46.3 billion to £49.2 billion - the largest year on year real terms increase in a decade. Authorities have flexibility over the money they receive, enabling them to work with their residents to decide the best services and resources on which to spend their money, including Trading Standards officers.</p><p>Details of funding allocations provided by the Local Government Finance Settlement can be found on the gov.uk website.</p>