Basingstoke and Deane will come through the economic difficulties and be an even better place to live and work in the future.
That’s the message from council leader Andrew Finney who has moved to reassure residents that the borough will continue to thrive in the face of funding cuts from government. The council is prepared for a reduction of more than £847,000 in local government grants but thanks to a brutal round of savings, the effect will not be too severe.
Council leader Cllr Andrew Finney said: “For the last four years Basingstoke and Deane borough council has been improving its efficiency. Over a year ago the council predicted the public spending restrictions that have been announced and stepped up its drive for value for money.”
A ‘fit for purpose’ review of council activity has seen an annual saving of £1million already achieved, while a further £1.8million has been saved as part of this year’s budget.
“Reviews of every service and function in the council over the last 18 months will find further savings of at least £1million per year going forward,” Cllr Finney continued. “There was also a pay freeze for senior managers and officers last year, as well as a lower than budgeted pay award for staff – we have also reduced our cabinet by one to makr our contribution to reducing costs. We will continue to keep a tight control on costs, but if expenditure is justified we will spend it. We have bought The Malls shopping centre to secure jobs, inward investment and the long term prosperity of the town centre.
“Despite cuts in capital spending, the Basing View regeneration will still be funded and work is about to start there, with the demolition of two obsolete buildings. Even with the possibility of further major cuts in public sector spending on the horizon, our actions mean we are positioned to protect the services that matter to residents and can continue to invest for the future. With good management of our resources and realistic ambition Basingstoke and Deane will come through the economic difficulties and be an even better place to live and work in the future.”
