Cuts To Services Totalling £4m Proposed As County Council Reveals Budget Plan

Leicestershire County Council is proposing making cuts to services totalling £4m as it grapples with a cash crisis.

The authority is also recommending increasing its share of Council Tax by 5%, which equates an extra £1.39 a week for a band D home.

Its budget proposals include investing £57m more to support vulnerable people – to pay for more home and residential care, and support people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs.

But, efficiency worth £59m are also proposed, including reducing back office costs and the reduction of up to 250 jobs.

The Council says its financial plan is designed to protect public services and support vulnerable people during tough economic times.

It faces a budget gap which is set to rise to over £90m by 2026 and proposals to save money include dimming or reducing the time streetlights are on, reviewing of household waste and recycling sites and reducing grants providing through the Shire Grants scheme.

Cabinet member for finance, Lee Breckon said cutting £200,000 from the budget which supports bus services is also proposed:

The budget plan also includes a £508m four-year capital fund – for the cost of building roads, schools and other one-off projects – which is also subject to significant inflation pressures.

The proposals will be discussed by the council’s cabinet this Friday (16 December) before a public consultation is launched.