The Autumn Spending Review, which is due to be published late November, will give local authorities across the country confirmation of the expected reduction in Central Government grant to provide services.
Councils have already been put on notice to plan for savings of between 25-40% as their contribution towards the Chancellor’s deficit elimination strategy.
Notwithstanding the eventual Settlement, Conservatives believe that there will still be ‘wriggle-room’ for spending opportunities which better reflect their own spending priorities.
In line with their practice of trying to work with Mayor Ferguson, they have now presented Mayor Ferguson with a wish-list of items they would like him to consider adopting.
The main increased funding proposals include:
- Developing a business case for reopening a train station at Ashton Gate
- Contributing towards the planned Bristol Concorde Museum
- Improving parks, sports fields, open spaces and play areas
- Investing in aids & adaptations which enable older or disabled people to remain in their own homes
- Various community projects and sports grants
This mix of Capital and Revenue items are to be paid for largely from the release of reserves no longer needed as a result of the early termination of the Kier waste contract.
Cllr Weston (Henbury & Brentry) said: “There is no getting away from the fact that next year’s budget-setting is going to be challenging.
“However, the Government is absolutely right to put public spending back onto a more sensible and sustainable footing. It is critical (and in the best interests of everyone) that our nation’s finances are brought back into balance.
“Despite this necessary move, there is still limited scope to increase resources in some areas which we believe would be both beneficial to the city – especially in relation to capital projects - and gives an indication of traditional Conservative values.
“For example, a new railway station at Ashton Gate and a contribution towards the Concorde Museum should be regarded as seed-corn investment in the local economy.
“We also want to see the provision we previously secured for more sports grants to finally be honoured.
“At this early stage, the Mayor appears to be receptive to many of our suggestions and, once agreed, it is hoped that these will be incorporated (as last year) in the Mayor’s final recommendations to Cabinet and then Council in February.
“There are further discussions to be had but if the Mayor wants the backing of Conservative Members on this, then he knows well enough that there is no such thing as a free lunch. This reciprocal arrangement comes at a price of my group getting something back in return.”
CONTACT MARK WESTON tel:- 07709421667