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

Canteen Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.7700 per hour
Canteen Assistant Part-Time, Temporary£13.77 PAYE / £17.63 UmbrellaLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Transport Strategy

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£71,425 - £80,216 per annum
This is a highly influential role responsible for developing the region’s statutory Local Transport Plan York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Transport Programmes

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£71,425 - £80,216 per annum
As Head of Transport Programmes, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery and assurance of a substantial programme of transport investment. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Public Transport

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£71,425 - £80,216 per annum
As Head of Public Transport, you will lead one of the most high-profile and strategically important areas within our portfolio. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Asset Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £53076 per annum
Shape the future of our homes and build spaces where our communities can truly thrive.As an Asset Manager, you'll help shape the physical future of Ke England, London, West End
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner