Budget cut plans reaction (From Yeovil Express)

Budget cut plans reaction

12:39pm Wednesday 27th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

PLANS to skim £40m off Somerset County Council’s spending is a necessity, according to council leaders.

The council announced a host of measures for the 2010/2011 budget yesterday in a bid to cut £40m in spending.

Council leader Ken Maddock said instead of the normal three-year budget, the authority will be agreeing a one-year spending plan to reflect uncertainty over future spending and the upcoming general election.

He said: “We’ve taken a tough stance with our biggest contracts to bring about further savings.

“In just one case, around £5m a year has been saved to deliver the same amount of work within the contract to manage Somerset roads – that’s a total of £25 million over the length of the contract.”

Leader of the Lib Dem opposition at Somerset County Council, Jill Shortland, said: “The cuts suggested put services at really high risk, particularly adult social care.”

She added: “The impact on services wont be felt until next year, or maybe sooner.

“Everybody wants 0% council tax rise, but there will be consequences.”

Cllr David Huxtable, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for resources said: “All councils throughout the UK are taking tough decisions about their spending commitments and it’s just the same for Somerset.

“Increasing council tax at a time where people are losing their jobs and finding it financially difficult would be wildly inappropriate.

"We’re placing the onus on our own organisation to tighten its belt, just like thousands of families across Somerset are having to do.”

Wellington Cllr and Lib Dem member Ross Henley said: “This is a very very bad picture for the people of Somerset.

“They voted for change but sadly they got change for the worse.

“It is disgraceful, we are seeing massive cuts in budget for crime reduction, cuts in PSCO funding, cuts in money spent on highway maintenance.

“The abolition of community budgets which have been able to help lots of groups and community organisations and cuts in funding for bus services.

“It is very sad day for Somerset.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)