Mark Whitehead 10 October 2018

Northants confirms £65m cuts package

Crisis-hit Northamptonshire County Council has confirmed a £65m cuts package aimed at tackling a huge shortfall in its finances.

But councillors warned it carried 'serious risks' and said they would have to continue looking for further savings.

They backed the 'stabilisation plan' which will include an increase in council tax and cuts in agency staff and highways services to save £20m this year and a further £45m next year.

Commissioners were appointed in May to oversee the authority to help the Tory-run council balance its books.

Cabinet member for finance Malcolm Longley told a packed public gallery: 'It's a step in the right direction, but admittedly with some caveats and serious risks.'

Labour councillor Mick Scrimshaw warned: 'I'm deeply worried by the stabilisation plan. We are halfway through the financial year. There's not enough detail to give us confidence that these savings will be achieved.'

Council leader Matt Golby added though that there was a ‘constant need to look for further savings’.

He said: 'We are doing as much as we can and this plan does need a set of business plans behind them.

'We are dealing with an incredibly challenging set of circumstances. It's up to us to own this plan as well as the councillors and staff. I fully support it with the caveat that we need to keep coming up with new ideas to get us into a better place.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1- £24,796  (pro rata) Permanent- Part time, 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226
Can you make a real difference to the residents of County Durham by helping shape services across Durham? We are looking for a project manager with e Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Facilitator

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £25,598
Are you a highly organised and proactive facilitator and administrator, keen to play a key role in supporting a new PMO team, ensuring the smooth coor Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £28,598 pro rata to hours worked (hourly rate - £13.68 rising to £14.82 per hour)
Home Support Worker - Grade 5 3x 27 Hour Permanent Posts We are excited to be expanding our team of Home Support Workers within Hawthorn House, a dua Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner