More council tax rises possible as £50m cuts planned

Warrington Council could see future council tax increases above 5% as it plans £50m of cuts to balance its books.

The council's scrutiny committee questioned the executive team and cabinet on the proposed cuts - which could see the loss of more than 200 jobs - and discussed areas including cost savings in adult social care and a review of leisure and library services.

When asked about future possible above-5% council tax increases - which the authority received permission to do this year - leader Hans Mundry said it was "on the table" and the council as "not making any commitments".

The savings plans will go to cabinet on Wednesday (9 September) and then before full council on 21 September.

Warrington Council built up more than £1.8bn of debt - mainly due to its investment programme - which led to the government appointing ministerial envoys to work with and challenge it.

It was granted permission to increase council tax by 7.5% and exceptional financial support, a mechanism which allows councils to borrow to cover their day-to-day spending.

Warrington Council set out plans in recent weeks to make £51.2m of cuts - on top of £40m of savings agreed when it set out its budget earlier this year.

This second phase of cuts could lead to more than 200 jobs being lost.

The council's scrutiny committee questioned cabinet members and executive directors on the cuts planned across the council's service areas.

Councillors also discussed planned cuts in areas around adult social care, children's services, and service reductions in back office areas including legal, IT and contact points for the public.

In some areas, the savings were described as following on from work the council had already done.

Caroline Williams, executive director of people, said savings in older persons' care "represent the continuation of the progress we've already started on".

She highlighted work to support people coming out of hospital to remain in their own homes.

Matt Smith, the cabinet member responsible for children's services, said the department offered "a strong preventative approach" that saved money in the medium and long-term.

Reviews are also set to take place across the council's leisure, libraries and cultural areas as well as looking at parking charges and environmental services.

Savings and cuts in these areas will not be confirmed until after the reviews and public consultations have taken place.

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