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MEDIA RELEASE |
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GOVERNMENT POLICY MEANS HARD TIMES AHEAD FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE Wirral Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Holbrook today commented on the Government spending plans, potential future cuts in public spending and the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy. He discusses what these mean for the Council and what the long term and severe impact of potential additional public spending cuts might mean for the Council. The Council's Cabinet considered the Medium Term Financial Strategy at its meeting on 24th September. Councillor Holbrook, also Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said, “Over £37m has already been saved by the current administration rising to the challenge to deliver a sustainable budget and meet current efficiency targets between 2007 and 2010.” “There are extremely difficult decisions ahead for the Council and for local authorities across the country. This is because, as a result of measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April this year, the Medium Term Financial Strategy shows that between 2011 and 2014, this Council will have to find additional savings, depending on the level of council tax, of between £50m and £80m from its annual budget.” “To add to the difficulties, this does not take into account the current national political debate taking place between all three major political parties about potential further deep cuts in public sector spending. There is no doubt that there are hard times ahead and that the situation is not likely to improve. There will be significant impacts on local services and very difficult decisions to be taken to continue to balance the Council's budget.” To read the 24th September Cabinet Report: Medium Term Financial Strategy click here
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