Laura Sharman 16 June 2014

Devon leaders call on Pickles to reverse spending cuts

Party leaders in Devon have written to communities secretary Eric Pickles urging him to reverse to the latest wave of council spending cuts.

The all-party plea warns that spending reductions will see the county’s budget slashed from £600m in 2009 to £400m in 2017, which will put its ability to deliver frontline services in jeopardy.

The letter also highlights funding inequalities, saying that rural authorities receive £336 a head in government grant while urban authorities get £481.

The letter said: ‘We would ask you to press the Treasury to reconsider the budget reductions on local government.

‘We hope (this briefing paper) will provide a fuller understanding of the impact on front-line service users of future reductions and urge you to lobby your colleagues in the Treasury to relax spending targets.

The letter has been sent from council leader John Hart, Liberal Democrat opposition leader Alan Connett, Labour leader Richard Westlake and UKIP leader Robin Julian.

The briefing paper outlines how Devon has saved £97m since 2010 and reduced its non-school workforce by 1,800 posts. However, it warns that reductions in frontline services will now be necessary to find more savings.

‘These will affect vulnerable sectors of Devon's population and the council is very concerned about the impact of such reductions at a time when areas such as child and adult safeguarding, highway maintenance and youth services are high profile,’ it stated.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner