A major efficiency review is set to start next month as Leicestershire County Council looks to pinpoint more savings.
The wide-ranging review will take a fine-tooth comb to all of the authority’s £1.3 billion yearly spend and help the council close the £90m revenue budget gap forecast by 2029.
It will focus on bringing down costs through prevention work, how the council buys things and reducing duplication, as well as speeding up projects already in place – such as reducing the growing cost of children’s social care placements.
Council leader, Dan Harrison, said: “We were elected to cut costs. With a sizable £90m gap looming, doing nothing isn’t an option and we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job.
“We’re leading the way for other councils with this pioneering deep dive. Services are critical and we’re supported by a great team of officers who will be working alongside consultants.
“We want new insight and ideas and getting fresh pairs of eyes from outside the council will help us get maximum value for our Council Tax payers. The benefits will by far outweigh the cost over the long term.”
Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources, added: “The scale of the challenge means we need to dig deep and act decisively.
“Balancing the books requires a tight grip. Make no mistake, this is a big task but I’m confident it will generate practical ways of driving down our costs.”
A proposal to appoint a consultant will be discussed by the council’s cabinet next Tuesday (28 October).
Initial recommendations are expected early next year and will help shape future budget plans.
The consultant and costs can be confirmed subject to Cabinet approval and the usual legal time periods.
Like other councils, Leicestershire faces financial challenges and by 2029, forecasts:
- A £90m revenue budget gap
- An £80m shortfall in the capital pot
- A £118m deficit for special educational needs and disability support
Prevention focuses on addressing and tackling root causes of health, care and community issues, reducing the need for often costly intervention.