Stratford District Council Cabinet - Monday 6 September

Stratford District Council's Cabinet meeting on Monday 6 September will consider a number of items in response to the budget pressures faced by the District Council.

It is widely reported that there will be a significant reduction in Government funding and the District Council is working hard to look at any current savings that could be made from this year's budget as well as looking at other options that could be considered to minimise the impact on residents now and in future years.  A number of discretionary services the District Council currently provides as part of the Council Tax, may now need to involve a charge.  Some are to be debated at the Cabinet on Monday 6 September.

Cllr Sue, Wixey, Deputy Leader says: "There are a number of highly valued services such as the Green Garden Waste service, but in order to retain these discretionary services, we have to look at all the options available, including possibly introducing a charge for services.

"The items to be debated at Cabinet are not something we would normally consider, but these are extra ordinary times.  We are looking at the whole Council and facing the reality of trying to maintain services with less resources and so ensuring as little impact as possible on residents.

"As well as these measures the District Council is also planning, as in previous years, to consult with District residents about services and taking a detailed look at how a smaller Council may work with a reduced workforce and asking residents to give views on spending priorities. The District Council will use feedback from residents to help shape its future financial plans.  We are a prudent Council and we want to deliver services that matter to local people.  We have to plan now for the reduction in Government grant, the scale of which may not be clear until early 2011."