Cumbria County Council is leading the way nationally through its programme of efficiency savings. The Audit Commission has requested that the county council contributes to its work on identifying best practice in delivering efficiency through strategic partnerships.
Financial performance figures were unveiled at a meeting of the county council's Cabinet in Kendal today which showed that £23.6m in efficiencies have been delivered since April 2005. This means that the county council has not only exceeded the Gershon efficiency targets set out by Government, but it has also delivered them 12 months ahead of schedule.
The county council's Gershon efficiency target is £6.7m a year, which equates to £20.1m over three years. This excludes schools and fire services, which are separately reported. At least half the efficiencies have to be cashable - which means delivering the same services at a lower cost. The rest of the efficiencies come from the council delivering higher standards of service for the same cost.
The statement for 2006/7 shows that £9.3m new efficiencies were delivered and 65% of these were cashable. In its 2007/8 predictions, the county council is planning to achieve a further £8.6m efficiencies. If this target is achieved, the county council will have achieved £32.2m in efficiencies over the three year period - a massive increase on the target set by Government.
Joan Stocker, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member responsible for the budget and financial strategy, said:
"We have a strong track record of delivering efficiency savings, reaffirming the fact that the county council offers value for money to Cumbrian taxpayers. We are always looking to do the best deals while at the same time improving our services. Running a tight ship financially is essential as we meet the cost pressures of an ageing population, higher costs of waste disposal and meeting equal pay claims."
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Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Notes
The county council's strategic partnerships with Capita, Amey and Agilysis have delivered significant efficiencies totalling £6.6m.
In Adult Social Care efficiencies of £1.0m were achieved from negotiating lower prices from home care providers, improvements in sickness absence in Cumbria Care, better management of Learning Disability Services and supporting more people to live at home.
£2.1m efficiencies were achieved in waste management through increased recycling and a reducing the total amount of waste collected.