'We have to slash migration to keep pressure off local services'

SLASHING migration and ending the "population explosion" will lead to better council services, Nigel Farage has declared.

- By Michael Knowles HOME AFFAIRS EDITOR

The Reform UK leader said councils have failed to adapt and "cut their cloth accordingly", after a fall in central Government funding and growing demand.

But Mr Farage insisted cutting spending locally and tackling migration at a national level could lead to huge improvements.

"They are picking up some of the tab," he said of local councils and the migrant crisis.

"If you look at the interpretation bills, it's hundreds of thousands a year and they also pick up some of the asylum costs as well. It's a heck of an issue.

"Housing targets - another big local issue - as a result of an exploding population.

"National government, local government are very closely linked," he said.

Asked how he will convince voters his immigration plans will lead to better council services, Mr Farage insisted: "If we stop the population explosion, through legal migration, that will take pressure off local services.

"If we deport those who come illegally, the country will save between £5billion and £7billion every year that's nationally.

"And goodness knows how many hundreds of millions through local councils too," he said.

Mr Farage's ambitions came after shocking projections revealed migration will lead to another five million people living in the UK in just seven years.

The population will surge to 72.5 million - up from 67.6 million by 2032, heaping more pressure on the NHS, housing, roads and schools.