Information on Loughborough

County delivers cost effective services

Posted on 24/02/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council Cabinet Office

2 February 2010

County delivers cost effective services

Leicestershire is delivering some of the most cost effective County Council services in England, a new report reveals.

The report analyses cost and performance data, using a “value for money toolkit” developed by the Society of County Treasurers.

It shows that:

•Nearly all services demonstrate good value for money

• High performing services include children’s social care, highways maintenance and libraries

• Heritage and arts appears to have high cost but average performance. A more detailed review of this service is being undertaken.

The Council’s ruling Cabinet will consider the report on February 9th. Brian Page, Cabinet member for Resources, said: “We are already one of the most efficient councils but we are not complacent.

“We are proposing to make a further £45 million of efficiency savings over the next four years, to help balance our budget in the face of a funding shortfall including an expected loss of government grant”

The same Cabinet meeting will finalise the authority’s budget proposals, which will be decided by the full County Council on February 24th.

Following public consultation, the Cabinet is proposing to:

• Freeze Council Tax in 2011/12-2013/14 - but this is dependent on top-up funding, if a Conservative Government is elected. The 2010/11 proposal is for a 2.5 per cent rise, which is below the rate of inflation.

• Make £47 million of efficiency savings and increased income and save £19 million from its services, to meet an expected funding shortfall.

• Invest £46 million to meet extra spending pressures, mainly in Adult Social Care and Waste.

The Cabinet meets at 2pm on February 9th. For further details, see www.leics.gov.uk