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SERVICES CUT AS BUDGET PASSED THE first wave of service cuts has been voted through by West Berkshire Council, which includes major funding reductions to children’s centres and school buses. Almost all of the councillors at Tuesday night’s meeting voted in favour of the budget, as the authority seeks to make £17.5million of savings after its own funding from Government was slashed by 44 per cent. In total 37 savings proposals were adopted as part of the fi rst phase of cuts, with councillors set to discuss phase two at a meeting later this month. Council tax will rise by just shy of four per cent as the authority looks to mitigate the loss of its own funding. Around 130 members of council staff are also at risk of redundancy. Roger Croft, leader of the council, said: “We have put forward our most challenging budget ever. “West Berkshire Council’s principal source of funding will be cut by 44 per cent as Government continues to tackle the national deficit. “In order to have a balanced budget we fi nd ourselves having to make difficult decisions, and this will include supporting parish and town councils and
By Adam Flinn
organisations to take on services valued by communities. “I’m sure we will all agree that we did not become councillors to see local services reduced, neither to put through a four per cent tax rise.” This sentiment was echoed by the council’s executive board. Lynne Doherty, executive member for children’s services, said: “We’ve heard a lot about what we can no longer do, but this budget allows us to deliver in key areas.” Hilary Cole, executive member for adult social care, said: “We are not heartless, we do realise the effect it will have on residents and decisions are not taken lightly.” And Graham Jones, deputy leader of the council, said: “I take no pleasure in passing a budget that will dismantle the achievements we managed in the past.” This vote didn’t include decisions on whether to close eight of the district’s nine libraries, the bulk of the public transport cuts or reductions in funding for theatres, which will be determined at the phase two meeting on March 24. VË Í ÖjÄË Ë¬?~jËÏ
• Campaigners protesting against the budget ahead of Tuesday’s meeting
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class from £189 per month plus advance rental* Mercedes-Benz of Newbury, 123 London Road, Newbury RG14 2BX 01635 524444 www.mercedes-benz-sytner.co.uk *Based on a Personal Contract Hire, Retail Customers Only. Terms and Conditions apply. Order/credit approvals on selected A-Class models between 1st January and 31st March 2016, registered by 31st March 2016. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. †3 years free servicing relates to three consecutive services which will be issued as part of a service plan and is available on all Mercedes-Benz A-Class purchased and delivered before 31st March 2016.
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