27/11/2006 - Cabinet plans for the council's financial future : Cumbria County Council

A draft budget for 2007/8 for Cumbria County Council has been agreed by Cabinet and put out for public consultation.

The Cabinet meeting marked the first stage in the annual budget consultation process which will follow this timeline:

- November 28th - Cabinet agree draft budget for consultation

- December 1st - Public consultation period begins

- January 19th - Public consultation period closes

- January 30th - Cabinet to agree budget to recommend to council

- February 15 - Council to set budget.

- April 5th - 2007/8 financial year begins

The draft proposals put forward at the cabinet meeting in Workington imply an increase of 4.99 per cent in the county's share of next year's council tax - just below the Government's limit of five per cent.

Joan Stocker, Deputy Leader of the county council and cabinet member responsible for the budget and financial strategy, said:

"A lot of tough decisions have to be made this year so we can plan for the impact of equal pay and equal value claims. It's still unclear how much these claims will cost, but we're assuming it could be around £50m. We are being open and honest in our responsibility to face up to the equal pay issue, which is a historical legacy of practices which are now being addressed. We have already put aside £15m to help cover these costs, but more needs to be saved. There are also major pressures in terms of increased costs for waste disposal and an increase in the number of older people we care for.

"The council has delivered year-on-year efficiencies in delivering services, but this year the scale of the efficiencies needed is unprecedented. A major review has been carried out throughout the council to see where savings can be made and this budget is a key stage in that review.

"These efficiencies include general housekeeping, rationalising structures and integrating services, as well as reviewing ways in which the same outcomes can be delivered more effectively.

“Every effort has been made to ensure that the impact on frontline services is minimised. Most of the savings made have been internal and the council is now becoming leaner and more efficient than ever before. But it is inevitable that there will be some impact on the public, our partner organisations and also the staff within the county council. Any county council employees who could face redundancies as a result of these service reviews are being kept informed.

"Despite these challenges, we have balanced our budget once again and stayed within the Government’s recommended limit of a 5% rise in council tax,” said Councillor Stocker.

You can view the cabinet paper at:
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/CouncilMeetings/Content/Public/2941/3904910055.pdf

Cabinet paper attatchment:
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/CouncilMeetings/Content/Public/2941/3904995639.pdf