Kent County Council faces £200m shortfall
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by political editor Paul Francis
Kent County Council says it is facing the prospect of a £200million
shortfall in its finances over the next three years.
Between 600 to 700 jobs could be lost over the period as it
strives to pare back costs in anticipation of a far-reaching
squeeze on public spending.
While some compulsory redundancies are likely a far larger
number are expected to disappear through natural wastage and not
replacing staff who leave.
Council chiefs have warned the next three years will be one of
the most challenging periods for County Hall finances - regardless
of which party forms the next Government.
Significant job losses are not anticipated next year. The bulk
will come in the following two years, with a focus on slimming down
so-called 'back office’ departments.
Despite the grim outlook, County Hall’s ruling Conservative
administration is confident the axe will not fall on its key
frontline services.
It is also aiming to keep council tax bills down, with any
increase expected to be below the 2.4 per cent increase last
year.
It has already identified nearly £42million of savings from next
year’s budget, but a further £10million still needs to be
cut.
Directorates have been instructed to come up with proposals for
saving the cash over the next few weeks.
Cllr John Simmonds (Con) KCC cabinet member for finance, said
every area was under the spotlight in the drive to save money.
“It is not all about cutbacks. We believe there are things we
can do differently but as efficiently.
"We are trying to look ahead because if we do not, we would have
to slam the brakes on hard. None of the frontline services will
deteriorate [but] may change. We are striving to make it as
painless as possible.”
He would not be drawn on reports the council was aiming for a
zero increase in council tax bills.
“We are very conscious of the impact on people with fixed
incomes and the recession. [Any increase] depends on how successful
we are in making savings.”
As part of its cost-cutting options, there could be increased
charges for some services and fewer concessions for others, such as
discretionary services. KCC, which has an annual budget of
£1.5billion, is also looking to cut back on office accommodation
and share premises with other public sector partners, like the
NHS.
The council also expects the squeeze to hit its huge £1billion
investment in building projects and other capital schemes, with a
40 per cent cut in Government support projected over the three
years. Some could be delayed or re-phased as a result.
Cllr Simmonds said KCC remained committed to the capital
programme, saying it created work for many local
employers.
KCC is the latest of several councils in Kent to signal that
there are tough times ahead. More details of its budget plans are
expected to emerge over the next few weeks.
Tuesday, November 10 2009
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