Council finances in 'difficult state'

Councillor Greg Couzens

Council Finance portfolio holder Councillor Greg Couzens revealed that Council’s finances are in a "difficult" state. With a number of departments already over budget, Councillor Couzens said the recent severe weather was putting an additional strain on council finances.

"More detailed work is currently taking place with services to support an improvement in the forecast out-turn", said Councillor Couzens in his report to the Council.

He went on to say that 2010/11 budget proposals are nearing completion. It is understood to make the budget balance with anticipated income significant "efficiency savings" have been identified and there will be a continuation of the Council's freeze on non-essential expenditure.

Councillor Couzens predicts 2011/12 will be "more difficult still".

Labour Leader Councillor Colin Lambert was forthright in his opinion that efficiencies "must address areas of the Council that don't deliver front line services." His colleague and deputy, Councillor Peter Williams criticising Councillor Couzens report to the Council said finance in the Council had become a "dismal science".