Review 'is beginning to identify chances to cut costs'

WAYS to cut costs at the county council “are starting to be identified”, the authority says.

- By STAFF REPORTER

Early ideas were included in the council's four-year budget proposals, published this week.

The council said the first identified saving of £1 million is already helping to reduce the budget gap.

Reducing agency staff, stepping up early help to prevent residents reaching a crisis point and expanding a specialist team supporting people to regain independence are also “among areas offering greatest potential to save money”.

The 2026-30 plan earmarks £131 million extra for social care - 20 per cent more than previous forecasts, to manage rising demand.

Over the past 12 months, demand for children needing costly residential provision has increased by 28 per cent, the council said.

The report also sets out savings of £45 million and a £456 million capital pot, to pay for improving roads, providing social care accommodation and school places.

The council said the efficiency ideas are part of a review of its £658 million yearly spend aiming to close the forecast budget gap.