The Council needs to decide which services will be a priority over the next three years as it plans to manage a possible drop in the amount of money it gets from government.

The Council has identified a number of areas where there is pressure on its budget, including:
• reduced income because of the impact of the economic downturn
• increased demand for services such as waste recycling and caring for the elderly and vulnerable children
• potential reductions in government funding.

Over the next few months, residents, businesses, councillors and council workers will be asked to consider options and identify spending priorities for the council and efficiency savings.

The Council has drafted a range of options based on whether there may be four, eight or twelve per cent less funding available between 2010 and 2013. This gives a package of around £60 million of potential savings the Council is consulting on so it can decide which ones it might have to go ahead with over the next three years. The final amount which might have to be taken out of the budget will not be confirmed until early next year.

Around £15 million of the savings could come from cutting out any duplication and making efficiencies within the Council to help preserve services direct to the public.

Council Leader, Councillor Mick Henry, said: “This is a draft spending plan, with a list of possible options that we want people to consider now to prepare for what might be more challenging financial times ahead.

“The economic downturn means there is less money coming in to the council but at the same time more people need the services that the council provides.

“Looking at all the options together we hope to make robust plans to enable us to protect front line services whilst ensuring that we continue to work towards our vision for the future, to make Gateshead a better place to live work and visit.”

Residents are being asked to look at all the options and give their views on what should be priorities when the budget is fixed next year. Full details are online at www.gateshead.gov.uk and there will be two consultation events on 19th January at:

• 12:30pm-2:00pm, Gateshead Old Town Hall, West St, Gateshead, NE8 1HE
• 6:30pm-8:00pm, Bewick’s at Gateshead Civic Centre, Gateshead, NE8 1HH

To come along to one of the discussions, residents need to register by contacting Sarah Woods or Julie Gibson on: 0191 433 2824/2826 or email: viewpoint@gateshead.gov.uk|

The final Council budget for the coming financial year will then be agreed n February 25 2010.

More Information

Media contact Sam Reed at Gateshead Council. Tel: 0191 433 2018. Email: samreed@gateshead.gov.uk|