Austin Macauley 21 January 2016

Cuts are 'not realistic' and show 'misunderstanding' among ministers, council tells PM

Political leaders from all sides at East Sussex Council have joined forces to issue a plea to David Cameron over latest cuts, warning they are unrealistic and betray a lack of understanding about local government.

The local authority has revealed it will have to raise council tax by 3.99% from April as it attempts to deal with £70-90m of savings by 2019.

Six group leaders sent the joint letter to the prime minister to raise their concerns about the damage this will inflict on the quality of local services. In it they warned him funding allocations did not reflect the 'varying needs' of different areas and that East Sussex's ageing population made it particularly vulnerable to cuts.

Cllr Glazier said: 'The fact that leaders of all parties have put their names to this letter shows that this is an issue which transcends politics.

'We have done everything possible to ensure we bear our share of the burden of reducing the national deficit, and produce a balanced and responsible budget, but the savings we are now having to make will place a heavy burden on some of our residents.

'We’re calling on the Government to acknowledge the impact of funding cuts, particularly on social care authorities, to work more closely with local councils and to adopt a fairer approach to the way it allocates funding.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Product Manager - Social Care

Essex County Council
£63323.0000 - £74497.0000 per annum
Senior Product Manager - Social CareFixed Term, Full Time£63,323 to £74,497 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Traffic Management and Road Safety Engineer

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £34,434 per annum
Are you interested in a career in traffic engineering and would love the opportunity to learn whilst you earn? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Road Safety Engineer

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
Are you looking for a role that can make a real difference to road safety and people’s lives in North Yorkshire? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Quantity Surveyor

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £49,056 - £52,194
The Royal Borough of Greenwich Repairs and Investment Section Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Social Work Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £28,142 - £31,022
The Team provides an effective and efficient Assessment and Care Management service to adults 18 years and over with a physical disability, older peop Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner