Council Finances in Very Safe Hands (Somerset Liberal Democrat Group)

Somerset Liberal Democrat Group <info@somersetlibdems.org.uk>

Council Finances in Very Safe Hands

October 8, 2008 3:10 PM

Contrary to a scaremongering press release issued yesterday by the Tory opposition, Somerset County Council has a very solid financial base.

Sam Crabb, the Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for Finance said "It is ridiculous of the Tory opposition in Somerset to start a finance scare story at a time of unprecedented world financial upheaval. It is irresponsible and typical that they play on the fears of the general public to try to make a political point."

"It would be great to see either their finance spokesman or their leader at an Executive meeting - but as they normally do not bother to attend - it is not surprising that they have no understanding of the real position."

He added "the predicted overspends reported at the last Executive meeting were known and budgeted for at our Full Council meeting in February 2008. The reserves currently stand at £9 million and are in no danger of running out. They are comfortably within the Audit Commission recommended levels. We are extremely prudent and have saved almost £27 million over the last three years in efficiency savings alone."

"Nearly £19 million of those savings have been achieved through improved contracts with suppliers, with the most significant areas being waste, adult social care and supporting people. We are improving efficiency at every level and this helps us keep council tax increases to the minimum and we can continue to invest in the improvement of services. If the Tories were to regain control in June next year you can be sure that "Cut back Ken" and his friends would make a complete mess of it"

"Our partnership with Southwest One, where Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Avon & Somerset Police and IBM are all working together to improve services and get much greater value for money. The ten-year contract achieves £17 million of savings over that period, and further procurement savings will save at least a further £70 million."

"At a time of uncertainty and worry about financial markets, Somerset County Council is well run, well financed and we are doing everything we can to ensure that any Council Tax increase is below inflation. The predicted increase for 2010-2011 is 3%.