Leicestershire proposes £54 million of savings

Leicestershire County Council has revealed its latest budget proposals with a four-year plan to save £54 million by 2022.

The council has announced the details of how to save £36 million of this, including a review of ‘early help’ and prevention services, as well as reducing adult social care costs and generating more income.

In response to rising demand, the proposals also include plans to generate £3.5 million by providing services to other organisations, and from property investments, as well as spending £290 million on roads, schools, broadband and supporting new homes.

Leicestershire is also planning to increase council tax by 3.99 per cent for two years – including two per cent for adult social care - and then by 1.99 per cent in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Byron Rhodes, council deputy leader, said: “Our financial position remains extremely challenging. By planning ahead, we’ve saved £178m since 2010 and reduced our budget shortfall. But growing service pressures and uncertainty about national funding mean that demand continues to outstrip income.

“The council is now much leaner. And providing services to other organisations, investing in property and teaming up with partners on innovative bids is generating income which we plough back into services. But tough choices still loom large. This is exacerbated by chronic national underfunding, limiting our scope to make savings. That’s why we’re leading the charge for fair funding, and look forward to seeing the government’s plans.”