Response to Spending Review Announcement

Following the Spending Review announcement today, Wednesday 20 October, by the Chancellor George Osborne there were no real shocks that Stratford-on-Avon District Council hadn't been anticipating or working towards.

The District Council has been planning for this Spending Review announcement and has already identified savings of £383,000 for this financial year which are ongoing efficiency improvements and cost reductions, not service cuts.

Councillor Stephen Gray, Leader says: "We accept that cuts to public spending are inevitable to tackle the country's budget deficit and the District Council has been working on a transformation strategy for over 6 months.

"The District Council already delivers significant services and benefits to local communities above and beyond its core statutory services.  We are unable to set out our case for future resourcing and priorities until we receive our Government Grant settlement later in the year, but we will be concentrating on the delivery of services that residents value most. 

"As a District Council we will need time to consider all the proposals and implications in light of todays announcements and work on the details as and when we receive more information.  I would encourage residents to get involved and complete our budget consultation exercise to help shape our future priorities and align our funding accordingly."

Find out about the Spending Review:

• www.direct.gov.uk/spendingreview