As many of you will have read in the press, Blackpool Council has announced proposals to achieve £25.2m savings in the next financial year, 2015/16.
It is expected to result in around 300 job losses.
Below is the statement, in full, that I gave to the media at the time.
I’d urge you to have a look at the proposals via the link below and take part in our consultation.
“Local government is entering a period of uncharted territory. In the face of continuing cuts it is battling to adapt and in some cases completely revolutionise the services that it provides.
“Blackpool is no exception. The proposals that I’m presenting today could see services funded by partners, delivered by external agencies or cease entirely. There is no easy way of cutting £25 Million from our budget.
“This year has been the toughest yet. Hours and hours have been spent pouring over the accounts, analysing every pound that is spent.
“Unfortunately there appears no light at the end of the tunnel – services will continue to be cut and jobs lost. This will not go unnoticed by the residents of Blackpool, the businesses that operate here and the visitors who come to stay.
“Every effort needs to be made to work with the public, partners, voluntary sector and the private sector to minimise the impact of the cuts on the people who need and depend upon our services. Seeking external funding and maximising income opportunities will also be vital.
“It is an unsettling time for many people including staff, but the commitment to delivering the best possible services to Blackpool residents remains undiminished.
“It is gut-wrenching to know that hundreds of staff have come to work today and will go home with an uncertain future through no fault of their own. I cannot imagine how they feel but they have my every sympathy, it must be a terribly upsetting time.
“Everyone will have their own views of how we could save this money and I want to hear them, this is a consultation period and now is the time to speak out.”
https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Your-Council/Have-your-say/Consultations/Budget-consultation.aspx