Slush fund jibe as £152m budget approved

WARRINGTON Borough Council has approved a £152.993 million revenue budget for the coming year which plans to save £14 million – despite an attack by the Liberal Democrat opposition over an alleged £375,000 “slush fund.”
Council tax has been frozen at last year’s level, although a rise in the Cheshire Police precept and increases in some parish council precepts will mean residents will face small increases.
But Cllr Peter Carey, the council’s executive member for resources stressed that Warrington’s average council tax levels were among the lowest in the North West.
The council also approved a treasury management strategy and £165.872m three year capital programme.
Cllr Carey warned of further tough times ahead.
He said: “We’re committed to doing everything possible to keep council tax levels as low as possible, and we continue to have one of the lowest rates in the country.
“But with yet another cut from central government likely to hit us even harder next year, we’re going to have to dig even deeper to be able to sustain services and keep tax down.”
Councillors approved a range of proposals including further restructuring of council services, widespread contract renegotiations and sharing more services with other councils and partners.
The spending plan also included details of new investments and projects such as the remodelling and revamping of several schools, the continuation of the council’s first time buyer mortgage scheme and investment in parks including Walton Hall, Bank Park and Victoria Park.
Leader of the council Terry O’Neill said: “The torrent of government cuts we’re experiencing are hitting critical services right across Warrington. But we are absolutely determined to deliver the financial stability and investment opportunities the town needs, through our long term efficiency plans.
“Our budget still upholds our commitment to protecting frontline services as far as possible, supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities and driving growth in our local economy. We have been innovative about how we have prioritised our capital programme, so that we can continue to invest in improved equipment, more support to older and disabled people to enhance their independence and the redevelopment of green spaces.”
Cllr Carey added: “We’ve made savings in some areas by joining up with other councils to deliver services or with other providers who can help us to deliver vital support to those who need it.
“We’re also making sure we’ve done all we can to drive down costs within the council by redesigning services and this will have an impact on our staff. We’re talking to employees about everything we can do to minimise job losses by offering voluntary redundancy and redeployment and training opportunities. We are involving staff every step of the way and doing all we can to reduce uncertainty.”
Cllr Peter Walker, the Liberal Democrats’ finance spokesman, said he did not challenge the amount of money the council planned to save.
But he reminded councillors that the previous Lib Dem/Conservative administration had saved £30 million in its last few budgets through “proper and timely consultation and negotiation.”
He said: “We could see the way national finances were going under Labour and started to make efficiencies several years ago, negotiating honestly with service users and staff.”
Consultation on last year’s budget had started in September 2010, he said, and changes were made as a result.
“Consultation on this Labour budget lasted barely a month. Were any changes made as a result? I would like to know?” he said.
Cllr Walker said significant savings were shown in the budget with no indication of how they would be made.
“We will not oppose it because a budget must be set. But we cannot be happy with a budget in which there are so many unknowns both for our service users and staff. We are particularly concerned about the impact on our vulnerable people.”
The Lib Dems supported a nil increase in Council Tax, bolstering reserves by £1.5 million and the £2.9 million pupil premium – a Lib Dem initiative which gave extra money to Warrington schools, he said.
“But £370k to finance ‘executive initiatives’ is not acceptable. Some have described it as a ‘slush fund’ put aside to curry favour with electors.
“We don’t think there should be unallocated money in any budget unless it is a clearly identified contingency or reserve. We would spend this money on much needed repairs to our roads and the filling of dangerous potholes.”
*The average Band D council tax for Warrington will be £1,375.15.
Pictured right: Peter Carey (top) and Peter Walker.