Since the government’s austerity programme started in 2010, the council’s core funding from government has been cut in real terms by 64 per cent, which equates to £148m.
The chancellor’s recent budget did not offer any respite for us or address our concerns about cuts to police numbers. Whatever they say, the government has not stopped austerity in places where it really matters to communities such as ours.
In the face of cuts and with increasing demand we’ve had to do more with less by being innovative. We have worked hard to protect the most vulnerable, investing in a Tackling Poverty Fund and protecting frontline services like Idea Stores and children’s centres.
The council are currently consulting on what matters to our residents as we set our budget for the next three years. Details are being posted to every household and are available on our website.
We face a further £44 million in cuts, so there will be tough choices. I encourage you to have your say.
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