Mark Whitehead 07 August 2018

Warning that more councils could cut services to bare minimum

An increasing number of councils could be forced to cut services to the legal minimum, financial experts have warned.

Rob Whiteman, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, said the move by East Sussex this week to reduce services to little more than those required by law was 'to be expected' considering the pressure on councils.

A report to East Sussex's cabinet said that without extra government help it would be able only to offer 'core services'.

It follows a similar move by trouble-torn Northamptonshire and warnings from several councils of dramatic cuts to cope with reducing government support and rising demand for services.

Last week Shropshire announced it will freeze all recruitment to cope with a budget gap of nearly £60m over the next five years, and Somerset warned it may have to impose severe spending restrictions.

Mr Wightman said the decision by East Sussex, which had shown 'good financial management', illustrated the 'endemic financial stress in the sector'.

Earlier this year the National Audit Office spending watchdog said 10% of upper-tier authorities - about 20 councils - were 'vulnerable to financial failure'.

Mr Wightman told LocalGov: 'The news that East Sussex County Council is now stripping back service expenditure is to be expected given the pressures faced by local authorities.

'The difference here with Northamptonshire is that East Sussex has spotted the dangers, been open about their financial difficulties and are now doing what they can to meet the legal requirements to balance their books.

'Even with this good financial management the risk for the county council will remain very pressing for some time.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Transport Co-Ordinator - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
£13.5700 - £14.9500 per hour
Community Transport Co-ordinator - Braintree District Council Temporary, Full Time£13.57 - £14.95 per HourBraintree, EssexClosing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement Manager

Essex County Council
£46388.0000 - £54573.0000 per annum
Procurement ManagerPermanent, Full Time£46,388 to £54,573 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director – Housing Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£Competitive
Are you ready to lead transformative housing services in one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs? Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner