An extra £7m is being earmarked to top up the budget for fixing potholes, paying back debt early and delivering big savings.
Leicestershire County Council’s review of last year’s £1.3bn budget shows it’s on track and that a £7m underspend can be redirected into priority areas.
The proposals would see:
- £2.5m invested in repairing roads - to deal with the impacts of the wettest winter on record
- £2.5m spent reducing debt
- £2m put towards delivering multi-million-pound savings
“Like other councils, we face big challenges with escalating demand for social care and other vital services.
“But by achieving savings early and reducing external debt by £71m, to the lowest level for over 20 years, we’re balancing the books.”
Person:Council leader, Dan Harrison
The proposals are part of the 2025/26 outturn report which will be considered by the cabinet on 26 May and scrutiny commission on 10 June.
Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources and finance, added: “This report shows we have our hands firmly on the wheel.
“We’re making every pound work harder and unlocking scarce resource to direct into what matters to our residents.”
Person:Joan Smith, Business owner