County Council look at saving £66 million next year

Image: BBC

Northamptonshire County Council are looking at making £66 million worth of savings next year in their draft budget.

An increase of just under 2% in Band D Council Tax has been proposed as a way of increasing revenue for the 2015/16 draft budget.

The council plans to save just short of £150 million within the next five years, in order to help reduce the national deficit.

Cllr Bill Parker, county council cabinet member for finance, told the Northants Telegraph: “The financial challenge we are facing is immense and we simply cannot continue to deliver our services in the same way we have in the past.

“This means we are having to increase the amount we charge our customers for some services.

“As an authority, we must look towards becoming more self-financing because we can no longer rely on funding from central government and council tax, with demand for our services exceeding our income.

“These fee increases are largely in line with inflation and will enable the council to best serve the needs of the people of Northamptonshire.”

Public services are at risk, with the 'biggest ever transformation' necessary if they are to continue to be delivered. 

A small inflationary rise in charges for civil partnership and marriage ceremonies has also been proposed, alongside parking at country parks.

The draft budget is subject to a six-week consultation, but the final decision won't be made until the full council meeting on February 19th of next year. 

By Stephen Matthews