Covid prompts Council review

ABC is initiating a Financial Review and Transformation Project as a direct result of the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The review will ascertain potential efficiencies in expenditure that are needed to address the £10 million budget deficit facing Council in this financial year and also projected budgetary shortfalls for the incoming financial year 2021-2022.

ABC Lord Mayor, Cr Kevin Savage said: “As with all reviews this is not merely about making cuts, it is about taking the opportunity to progress as an organisation, modernise services and transform operational practices through cost-

effective measures. Ultimately, this review will enable Council to capitalise on the knowledge gained throughout the pandemic, to enable operational transformation of services into the future. Our aim is to make cost saving now to address our immediate deficit, and look to the longer term with strategically focused investment to modernise our service provision.”

“Post the Councils merger in 2015 there has been an acknowledgement that greater rationalisation of expenditure is required to consolidate and perform more cohesively as an organisation.

“There is no doubt this is significantly challenging both politically and financially, however with a greater emphasis on collective thinking, there is the ability to reform as an organisation and move progressively forward to benefit the citizens and businesses of this Borough”.

As part of the review project, key decisions relating to the future of council estates, reform of service delivery, partnership arrangements, and current operating models are all being financially assessed.