Column: Government cuts could have a big impact on our area
When I became Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council just over two years ago, our aim as councillors, was to ensure the council's financial future was prudent. Since then there have been significant internal savings and a reduction in headcount, of 130 people over the last 18 months.
Not only did the council hit budget last year, but it is on target to do so again this year. This is no mean feat in a world where local authorities can face huge sudden financial pressures for adult social care and children's services.
During this time, across Central Bedfordshire the number of winter potholes has declined substantially
Every year the council generates income in the form of Council Tax and Business Rates. The council has to give half of the money generated from rates back to the government, and what is left does not even get close to paying for the services the government expects the council to provide. This means that as with all councils, the government must provide a financial settlement.
We are now being told by the government to expect a financial settlement for the year to come, which could be as much as of £24million less than we received last year.
Alongside other local authorities equally hard hit, such as Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, I have written to the government to express great concern about the impact this will have on our area.
I have also written to the Labour MPs who represent our area, asking them to arrange meetings for us, with their colleagues, the ministers who make these decisions. No meetings have been arranged yet.
This uncertainty makes planning extremely challenging, especially as we must set our budget by the end of February. While we are preparing as best we can, there is a limit to what can be done without knowing the figures we are working with.
We expect to understand the full impact in January and will share the details with you, along with our proposals for managing the changes, so you can give us your feedback.
If the changes turn out to be as significant as some predict, the way council services are delivered in the future may look very different. Whatever the outcome, we remain committed to openness, careful planning and protecting the services that matter most to you.