Cannock Chase Council 'in most difficult financial state ever'

Between now and 2020, the council forecasts it will lose more than £2 million from the Government's downgrading of the revenue support grant – plus another £1.9m in other Whitehall funding.

A raft of cost-cutting measures including losing CCTV, increases for market hire and parking charges and funding cuts for the Citizens Advice Bureau were revealed last October.

However, following a public consultation, it was recommended by the cabinets authority that these services, as well as maintaining town centre flower beds, all be saved.

Nearly three quarters of the reductions in spending will be on efficiency savings, capitalising expenditure, shared services, and reduced management costs thus minimising the cuts to front line services.

The report also recommends that the level of council tax received by the council will increase by 1.95% in 2017-18.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, deputy leader of the council said: "The council has faced its most difficult financial position ever, with reducing Government grant funding and the loss of business rates from the closure of Rugeley Power Station.

"We have consulted with the public on our financial recovery plan and draft budget so that we can take into account residents opinions and views.

"The recommended budget balances the financial pressures we face with our commitment to protect the services that matter to people in Cannock Chase.

"I would like to thank everybody who has taken the time to provide us with feedback and suggestions throughout this process."

The initial financial recovery plan consultation was held for six weeks from September to November 2016 and received over 800 responses.

The budget will be discussed by full council at its meeting on 8 February 2017.