08 February 2012Sevenoaks District Council is preparing early for the expected major cuts by the Coalition government in funding for public services.
The Government has made it very clear that, in order to address the national economic situation, everyone in the Country will feel the effects of major reductions in central government spending.
The Government will announce the cuts this Autumn and the public sector, particularly local government, is expected to bear the brunt of these cuts.
Much of the funding for public services is supplied by Government funding and, although the extent of Government cuts is not yet clear, Sevenoaks District Council may well face a cut in its grant of up to 40% over the next four years.
In the last few years, the Council has reduced its expenditure by £5m but has been able to maintain the range of services and during this period has improved performance, productivity and quality of services across the board. The Council is nationally recognised for its financial management, value for money and performance. It is also worth noting that the Council receives from Government the lowest grant per head in Kent and one of the lowest in the country.
The Council’s strategy in addressing the £5m savings required includes:
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Finance, says: "The nation faces an unprecedented situation with public spending soon to be drastically reduced to help address the national debt. With some public services protected from the cuts, local councils will shoulder much of the impact. The sheer size of the savings mean we face some very difficult decisions over the coming months, especially as we have already made substantial savings in previous years."
The budget timetable has been brought forward to ensure that the period of uncertainty for both the public and staff and impact on service delivery are minimised.
Sevenoaks District Council is seeking the views of the local people on its budget priorities. Between Monday 6 September and Monday 4 October local people can complete an online questionnaire or they can request paper copies of the questionnaire by calling 01732 227000.
The survey results will be put before the Council's Cabinet as part of the budget setting process.
Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet is planning to discuss a draft budget on 28 October with Full Council expected to set the budget for the coming year at its meeting in December.
