Later today Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the outcome of the government's spending review, setting out department’s resource and capital budgets for 2021/22. The spending review was originally intended to cover three years, but last month the Chancellor said it would now cover a single year to focus on the budgeting needs of departments and the devolved governments during the pandemic.

The announcement will be the third year in a row that local authorities will receive a one-year financial settlement and London Councils has highlighted the inefficiencies brought about by short-term funding arrangements and the difficulties in planning future budgets for local services.

London Councils has called for adult social care funding to match increases to NHS funding to safeguard London’s future resilience.

Analysis by London Councils shows that, had adult social care spending risen in line with NHS spending since 2010, an additional £800 million would be available to spend on adult social care across the capital in 2020/21.

However, even before Covid-19, London’s adult social care sector faced a funding shortfall of £130 million this year, which could expand to £600 million by 2025 unless investment is increased to meet burgeoning demand for care services.

Speaking ahead of today's Spending Review announcement, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, Cllr Damian White, said: “Adult social care services have proved themselves essential in supporting so many vulnerable Londoners through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We also know that adult social care plays a crucial role in keeping people out of hospital and relieving pressure on NHS services. The sector is an invaluable part of our health and care system – and that’s why it needs the same funding increases as the NHS.

“Providing assured, long-term investment in both health and social care is the best way of sustaining services and making sure Londoners receive the support they need in future years.”

The Prime Minister has confirmed that the three tier regional measures will return from 2 December. Regions are expected to find out which tier they are in tomorrow (Thursday 26 November).

Ahead of the announcement, a number of London MPs have questioned how the capital will be ranked when infections rates vary considerably between areas.

Responding to questions, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that London would: "Come out at the tier that is necessary and appropriate based on the public health evidence."

The latest guidance on tier restrictions, including what you can and can't do in each tier, is available on the www.gov.uk website here