Council Prioritising Front Line Services as 13% funding cut announced
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson,
has pledged to fight to protect frontline services for local
residents following this week’s announcement on Government
funding.
On Monday 13th December, the
Government announced the Local Government Finance Settlement for
local authorities across the country. This is a two-year settlement
for 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.
The Council is continuing to analyse the
figures in detail, however they do represent a 13% reduction in
funding for 2011/12 compared to this financial year and a further
significant reduction for 2012/13.
Bedford Borough Council has already made
£2.5million of savings as a result of in year cuts in funding from
the Government. In addition, the Council Executive last week agreed
proposals to save a further £11million, following an open
consultation with local residents.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said:
“As expected, the Council’s funding allocation from Government has
been cut significantly, putting further pressure on resources.
However, we are in a better position than many other local
authorities, having started a full and open consultation on
proposals to achieve major savings back in September. As a result,
we have worked with local residents and service users and been able
to identify £11million of savings while protecting frontline
services.
“However, there is no doubt this settlement
means we will have to find even greater efficiencies for next year
and the year after. I want local residents to know that I will
continue to be ruthless in cutting out waste and fighting to
protect frontline services as we work towards a council tax freeze
in 2011.
“My priorities are to cut costs within the
council infrastructure, squeeze out greater efficiency, and deliver
services in new ways that will make the money go further.”
Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder
for Finance, added: “Local authorities across the country are
facing tough decisions to provide a balanced budget and we are no
different. However, we have taken action already this year to try
and minimise the effect on frontline services and work towards a
council tax freeze for local residents. This work will continue and
residents can be assured we are working hard to protect their
services.”