Tell us your views on what cuts should be made

Published: 25 November, 2010

• CAMDEN Council, like other local authorities, is facing the most severe cuts since the World War II. 

Now more than ever it is important we discuss these challenges openly and honestly with you.

In 2010/11 we will spend £1billion on services. The majority of this money, about 70 per cent, comes from government grants. 

As a result of national government cuts in spending we will have a budget gap of between £80 and £100million over the next three years.

In response we have put together a report (Medium-term financial strategy 2011-2014), which sets out how we will deliver services within these financial constraints. The challenge has been to ensure that despite the difficulties ahead you continue to receive good quality services and that Camden’s most vulnerable residents and communities are protected.

To minimise the impact on vital front-line services we first looked internally to reduce costs within the organisation. We have identified £30million of efficiency savings by streamlining support services, such as finance, communications and human resources, making more services available online and by telephone and getting better deals from suppliers. In the December report a further £12.5million from changes to support services and efficiency savings are identified.

We are also looking at the feasibility of sharing senior management and services with Islington.

However efficiencies alone will not plug the gap. We have had to prioritise essential services while reducing or stopping others.

Our priorities are to maintain and sustain our essential services. You will still have your streets cleaned and waste collected regularly; have access to open spaces and leisure facilities that you value; see your children learn and fulfil their potential. But to remain affordable, many of these services will need to be delivered in ways that will look and feel different for those who use them.

We will ensure that our remaining resources are used to protect the most vulnerable in a way that provides value for money. For example, we have decided to continue to provide early years support above the statutory minimum for those on low incomes.

The cuts will also mean that some services can no longer be provided for free for those that can afford to pay for them. We are therefore proposing to introduce charges where we feel it is fair to do so; an example is business and domestic collection of white goods.

Over the coming months councillors will be out in the community explaining and discussing the proposals with you. You can speak to your ward councillor about going to an area action group meeting in your ward to discuss the proposals. Please do take the time to get involved and share your views. To find out more about the council’s proposals to tackle the financial challenge and view the Medium-term financial strategy report visit camden.gov.uk/budget

The future for council services may seem rather bleak but we must remain positive.

CLLR NASIM ALI                
Leader
CLLR ANGELA MASON
Deputy Leader 
Camden Council