Mid Suffolk County Council

At the Mid Suffolk Full Council meeting (Thursday February 24) councillors approved the Mid Suffolk budget for 2011/12.  Cllr Derrick Haley, portfolio holder for finance said: “Every year the setting of the council budget becomes more of a challenge. This year we have had our grant reduced by £900,000 (or 15.2%) and this is a huge hole to fill.”

“Unlike some councils across the country, we have been able to deliver a balanced budget without making severe cuts to front-line services. We have worked hard to re-negotiate some of our major contracts, without compromising the service they deliver for our residents, to achieve savings and we have also managed our staff vacancies to reduce staff numbers.”

“Our joint working with Babergh District Council has also helped us to make significant savings in our waste and legal services. Further savings will also come forward from our joint working with Babergh and Ipswich Borough Council to deliver a new revenues and benefits partnership that will cut costs without compromising the quality of service our customers expect.”

“Setting the budget is always a delicate balance between providing high-quality services and keeping the council tax as low Photography: action.org.uk as possible for the residents of Mid Suffolk.”