Council chiefs predict overspend of £1.46m

STOCKTON Council's finances are feeling the pinch once again as financial bosses predict an overspend of almost £1.5m.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

The council's latest financial report highlights a projected overspend of nearly £1.46m, which it puts down to rising demand and costs.

It says: "Growing demand for council services and the increased cost of delivery is putting pressure on several budget headings.

"Work is under way to look at ways to mitigate this projected overspend and the position will continue to be closely monitored and managed throughout the remainder of the financial year.

"The financial challenges facing Stockton reflect a wider national picture, with councils across the country experiencing significant and well-documented pressures."

The council is facing more costs in numerous areas, from children's and adult social care, taking children to school, council workers' pay, empty shop units and Preston Park to catering, road maintenance and "corporate mail and paper".

The report went to council leaders at a cabinet meeting yesterday at Dunedin House in Thornaby.

The Labour-led authority says it has managed the financial pres sures responsibly, using money which had been set aside for other purposes.

It may need to dip into these funds again if it does not make savings, but it says relying on reserves alone is not sustainable: "It is a key area that we must work to avoid as part of the transformation programme."