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Financial uncertainty amid council cuts could cause ‘great problems’ for Lincolnshire authorities
Swingeing cuts to the government’s council funding are feared to cause serious challenges for Lincolnshire’s local authorities.
Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council could see their budget slashed by up to eight per cent over the next two years following MP Eric Pickles’ statement in the House of Commons yesterday.
Both authorities have pledged to retain frontline services while admitting savings would need to be made.
Executive member for finance and HR at LCC Coun Kelly Smith said: “Although we haven’t received the full details of our settlement yet, we’re expecting to face further challenges, meaning additional savings will be needed.
“However, we’re committed to protecting priority services while playing our part in balancing the nation’s books.
“Over the last two years we’ve found savings of around £80 million and have plans in place that will bring a further £45 million of savings over the next two years.
“However, it’s important that everyone pulls their weight and that Lincolnshire isn’t asked to do more that it’s fair share - rural authorities like Lincolnshire still do not receive the same level of funding as urban areas, so we’ll continue to call for a fairer deal.”
East Lindsey District Council is also unsure of the exact extent of the cuts, which it says will cause ‘great problems’ in planning next year’s budget - though savings are envisaged to be necessary and in line with what had been expected and planned for.
Council leader Coun Doreen Stephenson said: “Since 2007 we’ve been working hard to position the council to deal with the financial pressures we knew we’d face and this has been successful so far, but we know the challenges around the corner are far greater.
“We have already made savings of £5.7 million from our revenue budget as a result of reduced Government funding and cost pressures such as fuel. We’re planning for a further saving of £1.6 million for 2013/14.”
Pioneering shared service project Compass Point Business is anticipated to make £19 million in savings for ELDC over the next 10 years and a further £500,000 has already been shave from senior management costs.
Coun Stephenson added: “The resources we do have available, although limited, will be used wisely and where they are most needed, including investment in developing our local economy further to support businesses that in turn can create jobs for local people.”
The secretary of state for communities and local government said the settlement was based on ‘self determination and financial independence, a move from the begging bowl to pride in locality’ and was the ‘greatest shake-up of local finance in a generation.’
Under the new system an estimated 70 per cent of local authority income will be raised locally, compared with just over half under the current formula grant.
Although some councils could face reductions of up to 8.8 per cent the average drop in spending power is estimated to be 1.7 per cent, which Mr Pickles says represents a ‘bargain to local authorities.’
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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