‘NO job losses and no cutting of services’ was the empathic promise from a council chief executive as he explained the need to make six figure savings.
Frank McArdle, chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, vowed that new budget proposals would ensure the ‘financial future’ of the authority.
This comes after the council learned that it would face a reduction of around £1 million in Government funding during the next five years.
Mr McArdle, speaking at Linton Area Forum, said: “The council’s current financial position is healthy but this reduction in funding will weaken this position.
“We need to take corrective action now and £300,000 savings are required this financial year.
“We are the fastest growing place in the UK outside of London and the South East.
“Future Government funding will depend on growth, so this fact is very important.
“Over the last 10 years, the area has seen a 15.8 per cent growth.
“We have been helped over the years by the influx of Toyota to the district and improved roadways.
“From the council offices, in Civic Way, to the A444, there has been £440 million of private investment.
“We have to £300,000 in the next financial year and face an estimated reduction in Government resources of £1 million during the next five years.
“As a result of this Local Government is currently a very challenging place to work.
“But, we are taking action now to make sure our finances are line to cope with this.
“We are proud at this council to have a balanced budget.
“When I took up the role of chief executive, there was a deficit of £1.2 million and the Government was breathing down our necks and we were in trouble.
“We had to make cuts and this is something I never want to do again.
“I don’t ever want the council to be back in this position and will not let it happen.
“This will be done with no job losses, no cutting of services, just cutting of costs.” The new budget proposals include extra Council Tax on empty properties and the potential for a third year of Council Tax being frozen.
