There are no more ‘basic efficiencies’ left to make, local authority leaders tell the Chancellor in response to reports he will urge councils to cut consultants and diversity schemes.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will reportedly tell cash-strapped councils in England to reduce spending on consultants and schemes aimed at promoting diversity.
Speaking on the BBC’s Today programme this morning, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) Shaun Davies said most councils spent ‘pence’ on diversity schemes.
He also added that councils were forced to pay for consultants so that they could bid for Government funding.
Cllr Claire Holland, deputy chair of London Councils, has told the Chancellor any ‘low-hanging fruit and basic efficiencies are long gone.’
‘Boroughs have reduced staff numbers by 25% since 2010. Significant efficiency savings have been made to protect essential statutory services such as adult and children’s social care and homelessness support. The fast-growing pressures on these services are driving boroughs’ budget concerns.’
She added: ‘We want to work with central government in addressing these major challenges. Tomorrow’s Budget is an opportunity for the Chancellor to help stabilise local services and protect vulnerable Londoners.’
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