A local authority in Kent believes it will soon be the first council in England to become financially self-sufficient.

Sevenoaks District Council has set itself the target of no longer relying on any support from the Government by next April.

It plans to use efficiency savings ‘while putting resources into high priority services and those it has a duty to provide’ to offset the remaining £1.5m a year it still receives.

The council has also been investing in property to create new income streams, including a petrol station, shops and offices that generate £400,000 a year.

Council leader Peter Fleming said: ‘With ongoing reductions in our government support, we have acted decisively to protect the frontline services our residents depend upon.

‘We have worked hard since 2013 to achieve this ambition, putting us in a better position than most. Being financially self-sufficient means we will have greater control over our services while insulating us from further reductions in public spending.’