William Eichler 05 March 2024

Basic efficiency savings all ‘long gone’, Chancellor told

Basic efficiency savings all ‘long gone’, Chancellor told  image
Image: Sean Aidan Calderbank / Shutterstock.com.

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.’

If this article was of interest, then check out, 'Councils in crisis: time to stop the cycle of decline' and 'Chancellor needs to show compassion to most vulnerable'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner