East Cambridgeshire District Council

With the Government preparing its emergency budget to tackle the nation’s budget deficit, local authorities are yet again bracing themselves for difficult decisions.

In East Cambridgeshire, the District Council heard last week its revenue grant would remain at just over £6million but with over £1.6 billion taken out of local government this year, the authority is mindful that tough choices may lie ahead.

Earlier this year, the Council had to make a number of difficult decisions in order to make sure it balanced its budget.

Councillor Fred Brown, Leader of the East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Earlier this year we looked very hard at all the services which we deliver to our residents. We had to find £1.65 million to fill our budget gap – a huge amount of money for us to find. Unpleasant as it was we found the money and have worked hard to now offer more for less.

“As the Government now puts together its emergency budget, all local authorities and organisations such as the police and the fire service are waiting to hear how the moves to cut the national deficit will impact on local services. It is a case of sitting and waiting at the moment but we promise our residents that we will work closely together with our partners to ensure that where we can make savings which will not damage services. However with Council Tax set to be frozen next year, there will be more difficult decisions to come.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For further information contact Tony Taylorson in the Communications Team on 01223 699285.

Political contacts: Cllr Fred Brown (Con) 07824 472070, Cllr Ian Allen (Lib Dem) 01353 664993 and Cllr Andy Wright (Ind) 01353 860432.