PROSPECTS OF CUTBACKS IN GODALMING AREA AS GOVERNMENT FUNDING IS SLASHED

Council bosses in the Godalming area have been given an unwelcome Christmas present....with the news that it's Government grant is to be slashed by £642,000.

The Government has now confirmed that, in 2012/13, it will be reducing the grant it provides to Waverley Borough Council by a 14.4% reduction, bringing the bleak prospect of more cutbacks in services.

Commenting on the cut Cllr Mike Band, portfolio holder for finance says: "The Government indicated last year how much money it was likely to be providing to Councils for 2012/13, so the settlement, although disappointing, has come as no surprise."

Last year's warning about further cuts in Government grants prompted Waverley councillors to plan for the worst and to manage the situation effectively. Some measures that have already been put in place to fill the hole in the budget include a radical streamlining of the number of senior managers and a review of the management of car parks to make them work more efficiently. However, more needs to be done and Waverley is currently scrutinising every part of its budget.

Cllr Band adds: "Over the past few years we have worked hard to make over £5.5million of savings. And although I am pleased with what we have achieved so far, to make Waverley a leaner and more efficient council, I am concerned that any further reductions in future Government Grant funding, will make it increasingly difficult to maintain both existing services and support for voluntary organisations."