Rutland County Council £440,000 underspending 'misleading' according to deputy leader
They had to increase their budget last November by taking money out of the authority's reserve budget
Last updated 26th Jul 2023
Rutland County Council has underspent by over 440-thousand pounds - but its deputy leader has been telling us that figure is misleading.
Earlier this month we learned the Council underspent by £442,000 last year, after it significantly increased it's budget due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Councillor Andrew Johnson has been telling us they had to increase their budget last November by taking money out of the authority's reserve budget - meaning they actually over-spent.
"We're living beyond our means," he added.
"The actual spend was 43.57 million against the revision budget of 44.012 - that's where the figure of 442,000 comes from, but its a false figure effectively."
Rutland has one of the highest council tax rates in the country but Cllr Johnson say he's working to make sure its worth it.
"The council's got some very good employees and they're all working very hard.
"I've been assured everyone is trying to protect value for money."