Durham County Council faces continued financial cuts as expected reductions in Government grants are confirmed next week.
The authority’s Cabinet will receive an update on the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan 4* (MTFP), the plan it uses to manage its budget, when it meets on Wednesday, January 22.
The paper reveals how the authority is proposing to respond to increasing financial pressures while taking on board feedback from a widespread public consultation carried out in the autumn.
The paper also includes initial details of the council’s budget for 2014/15, which show that despite funding issues, the council continues to increase investment in the county and provide additional money for key areas such as winter maintenance.
Council Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, said: “While local government continues to face the highest levels of spending cuts and despite us explaining our very serious situation to central Government, it is clear not all parts of the country are seeing the same level of reductions. There is little doubt that our area is again being hit the hardest.
“However, despite this, and in response to the views of our residents, I am pleased that we can continue to protect some areas identified as important by residents and also invest in our roads, schools and local communities.”
Based on the details of the financial settlement announced just before Christmas, members will hear that the savings target the council now faces in the period from 2011 to 2017 stands at £224m, of which a total of £113.9m will have been delivered by the end of the current financial year.
There are a still a number of areas of uncertainty where further information is required from Government.
Cllr Henig continues: “Members and officers have worked hard together to manage the savings programme and through strong planning and management we have ensured residents have been consulted at every stage and are updated on the progress and changes being made.
“The recent countywide consultation, where more than 4,000 residents provided their views, will be invaluable in helping shape our thinking as we seek to save a further £100m over the next few years.”
The report outlines the next steps required to be completed before a further report is presented to Cabinet in February making recommendations to Full Council later in the month.