Fair funding appeal as services deemed ’at risk’

SERVICES from Leicestershire County Council could be a risk without further funding a report has found.

The authority was found to be effectively delivering services and managing its current budget.

However with further cuts in the pipeline, service provision could be at risk.

The annual performance report found 97 per cent of homes and busi- nesses are due to be connected to broadband internet by September 2018 while business premises also are being developed in the county.

The council is selling more than 200 services to police forces, the NHS, councils and schools bringing in £28million.

Road casualties have fallen from 1,768 to 1,705 between 2015 and 2016 while those killed or seriously injured fell from 242 to 225.

Deputy council leader Byron Rhodes said: “By 2021, we’re on course to have saved £204m and long-term, prudent planning means that we’ve still been performing well. It also shows how by preventing injuries caused by falls and boosting road safety for example, we’re improving people’s lives.

“But we face a very difficult scenario. Under current funding forecasts, service levels are at risk and good performance will not be sustainable.

“Fair funding would unlock more money for Leicestershire and without reform, residents will see a much bigger impact on services. Our campaign has borne fruit with the government accepting the need for change and we look forward to seeing their consultation.”

Leicestershire is the lowest funded county in the country and has been calling for fair funding for many years. A new fair system – drawn up by the council – would give Leicestershire an extra £53m.

The document will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on Friday (November 24) and the full county council on December 6.

Both meetings will be webcast live at www. leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast

A recording of the webcast will be available from the following day.