Tough times are ahead

Published: 25 June, 2010

• THE coalition government’s first Budget demonstrates the perilous state of the nation’s finances and how the level of spending of previous years is no longer sustainable.

Local councils are at the front line of those cuts and have to deal directly with all those affected.

Where cuts to grants are made we have no choice other than to stop the projects they funded and there are some things we simply can no longer afford to carry on paying for.

As a council we will be setting our own budget proposals shortly and we can’t disguise the fact it’s going to be difficult.

But whatever happens we will ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected, and those in most urgent need of help continue to get it.

But there will inevitably be some sacrifices we will have to make in order to achieve that and delivering value for money for our taxpayers must be, more than ever, at the heart of everything we do.

In the coming weeks and months we will be asking residents, to join us in helping to create the sense of community that empowers local people to make a difference to their own areas.

While the state cannot possibly help every single cause and project, people like you by donating their time, energy and commitment can help ensure we continue to build a Living City where local people can thrive and prosper.

CLLR COLIN BARROW
Leader
Westminster City Council