Warning of 'hard choices' ahead for spending on Cornwall's public services
The council's Deputy Leader has spoken out about that anticipated £62m budget gap
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
The Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council has warned it will have to make 'hard choices' when it comes to spending on public services.
David Harris was speaking about the authority facing an anticipated £62 million budget gap, next year, saying the money set aside will not be enough to cover the impact of soaring inflation.
He told a meeting the council's medium-term financial plan included savings of £59 million delivered this financial year.
At Tuesday's meeting, members discussed the latest performance report covering finances, risks and projects for the current financial year.
The Cabinet then approved a recommendation for a plan to slash its capital programme by £13.8 million to before the full council.
Confidence in the council's financial strategy
Cllr Harris said: "I am very confident that the financial strategy we have in place is the right one to help us manage in this uncertain future.
"Whilst we had the foresight to set money aside to cope with the significant impacts of inflation, it will not be enough to cover this year's impact and the compounded impact into next year.
"We will need to make some seriously hard choices about the service levels we provide and start to look at those areas where spend is because we have a duty to provide a service as opposed to those areas where we have the power to provide a service but no legal obligation.
"At the same time we will be looking at bigger projects where we can perhaps delay commencement".
Council welcomes government 'Investment Zones'
Cllr Linda Taylor, Leader of the Council, said: "I know that the cost of living is at the forefront of people's minds, and we will be doing all we can as a council to work with government and partners across Cornwall in the coming months to sign-post all the help and support that is available, including the new help announced by the Chancellor in his Plan for Growth last week.
"I know that the help for businesses with their rising energy costs, which was set out as part of that plan, will have been welcomed here in Cornwall.
"I also welcomed the Chancellor’s plans for Investment Zones and look forward to discussions with government on how Cornwall could benefit from becoming one of these zones in the future".
Tuesday's meeting also saw the council approve Cornwall's Suicide Prevention Strategy and a £6.4m programme to protect Cornwall's sand dunes. A report on investment programme schemes and plans to develop the council's digital services were also approved.