Barnsley Council leader insists the local authority 'isn't at risk of bankruptcy'
Stephen Houghton admits they could be forced to increase council tax in the town next year though
The leader of Barnsley Council insists they 'aren't at risk of going bankrupt' - but admits they may have to increase council tax to keep some vital services running.
Sir Stephen Houghton tells us they need to save 'tens of millions' of pounds over the next few years - to help maintain children's services in the town & adult social care.
He thinks the government could be doing more to help local councils across the country:
"The pressure on us over the next 2-3 years is to make between ÂŁ20-30 million pounds worth of savings.
"So, that's not going to be easy to do, but we do have a sound financial base.
"However, I'm afraid to say it's likely to put pressure on council tax for us to 'bridge the gap'.
"If we do put council tax up, there are key issues around that.
"We need to make sure adult social care & older people get the services that we need, and I'm not prepared to stand aside and let them go without.
"We do have to keep children safe, and the cost of that has gone through the roof.
"We all want tax cuts, we all want more money in our pockets, but you've got to do that when the national economy & public services can withstand it.
"The government's taken a direction, there will be consequences as a result."
Earlier this year, the government made ÂŁ60 billion available nationally to help local councils with their finances.