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Press Releases
From Mike Bomford, Exeter 382173, November 26, 2008
The Government has announced its Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement today.
The Leader of Devon County Council, Councillor Brian Greenslade, welcomes the percentage increase but says it still leaves Devon with less funding than comparable authorities.
The Formula Grant for Devon County Council will rise from £145.276 million in 2008/09 to £152.999 million in 2009/10, representing a 5.3% increase.
Cllr Greenslade said:
"On the face of it, a 5.3% increase on last year's settlement looks good, but today's Formula Grant plus the funding we will receive for our schools, per head of population, is still significantly below that of comparable authorities.
"Devon this year will receive £40 per person less than the average for similar two-tier shire counties, which amounts to £30 million less funding for public services across the county.
"We must also consider the added pressures announced this week by the Government in their pre-budget report, with increases in fuel duty and employers National Insurance contributions, which both will have an impact to increase our costs.
"No more so, than in this current economic climate, is it important for councils to continue to look to make efficiency savings to reinvest in vital front line services. We will continue to do so, having made efficiency savings last year of £13 million and this year of £15 million.
"And it's important to remind ourselves of the Boundary Committee's proposal to create a single Unitary Council for Devon which could save as much as £28 million over its first five years, should the Government chose to adopt the proposal.
"Despite this, we will continue to press the Government to reform the way that local government is funded so that Devon tax-payers get a fairer deal."
- Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
- Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey
- Budget £800 million
- Key investments include:
- Schools £349 million
- Adult and Community Services £164 million
- Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
- Children and Young People £101 million
- Other important County Council support includes:
- Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres
- Political make-up:
- County Council seats: 62
- 33 Liberal Democrat
- 23 Conservative
- 4 Labour
- 2 Independent
- Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009
- Key stats:
- Population: 741,000
- Schools: 365
- Pupils: 96,200
- Children looked after: 584
- Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
- Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
- Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
- Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
- Bridges: 3,500
- Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
- Streetlights: 71,000
- Illuminated road signs: 10,917
- Recycling Centres: 20
- Recycling rate: 49.21%
Figures may be subject to change
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