A FURTHER £14 million will have to be slashed from Warrington Borough Council’s budget for next year.
This is on top of £23 million cuts made in the current year, according to the council’s draft statement of accounts for 2011/12.
The draft statement will now be inspected by the Audit Commission before September 30, when the accounts can be formally published.
Council chief finance officer Lynton Green said: “We are pleased to present a positive statement of accounts particularly in light of the number of financial challenges we have faced this year.
“We needed to deliver nearly £23m of savings during 2011/12, and this has been achieved with a minimal impact on front line services across Warrington.”
He said the council had managed to save £300k during the year, which will be used to assist with any future funding issues.
Mr Green added: “2012/13 will also be a challenging year with the council needing to find another £14m of cuts to meet the government’s austerity measures, however, I am confident we have the processes in place to ensure this is delivered in line with the budget approved by the council on March 3,” he added.
Cllr Russ Bowden (pictured), the council’s executive member for Corporate Resources and Assignments, said: “The budget for 2011/2012 was the most challenging we have ever faced and included confirmation of a 28 per cent reduction in funding and grants from the Coalition Government over the next four years.
“With all of this in mind, to achieve our savings target for this year is a momentous achievement. It demonstrates our resolve to reviewing and redesigning our services, driving out inefficiencies and ensuring the best deal in our procurement activities. This allows us to continue providing the key services that our residents rely on.”
He acknowledged the impact on staff and services, but said the council was committed to safeguarding frontline services as far as possible. It was important the council remained financially stable and exploited investment opportunities that would bring employment and growth in the town.
The statement of accounts can be viewed at www.warrington.gov.uk/home/your_council/Budget_and_spending/statement_of_accounts/
Paper copies can also be viewed from July 17 to August 13 between 9-5pm at Quattro/New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 1NU.
Council faces another £14m cuts
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
8 Comments
Is there an Executive Member for collecting unpaid Council Tax which seems not to be seen as a problem by Council officers? The collection of this unhealthy sum could reduce the burden of regular payers and could even save a job cut or two.
I’d also hope that executive pay would be an initial target for cuts.
They could start off by axeing the post of CEO which is totally unnecessary! That would save us a few bob and in addition save a few front line jobs.
Under Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 it is the duty of every relevant authority to designate one of their officers as the Head of the Paid Service. The role of Head of Paid Service is commonly associated with the designation, Chief Executive” In the good old days it used to be Town Clerk.
I rather think that it will be where an incumbent leaves and is replaced.
How much is it Eagle.
GRRRR… like most links to the recently revamped council website that one doesn’t work either. CLICK THE LINK AND YOU GET “Page not found,
For one reason or another (mis-typed URL, faulty referral from another site, out-of-date search engine listing or we simply deleted a file) the page you were after is not here – this site has recently undergone a major re-working, so that might explain why you got this page instead. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. “………… I’m sick of getting that damn message now everytime from them as like I said on the forum last week most links are returning that very same error message since they recently revamped their website (It went live last week I think!!)
I wonder how much that cost themto do and maybe they should have saved their money??????? Although their new website looks ok almost ALL external links and google search result links to their documents etc etc mostly return the ‘OOPS WE’RE BLOODY SORRY AGAIN’. Sorry, I realise this is not on topic but it will be once I find their blummin’ accounts manually as I’m very interested to read about how much council tax is owed and was unpaid last year and in previous years !!!! I may then comment again 😉
Any one of the current Directors could be the Head of the Paid Service of the Council without any extra pay. Why is that other North West Councils are getting rid of their CEO if it illegal?