Mansfield District Council plans cuts to deal with budget shortfall

Mansfield District Council said the gap was caused by rising demand, inflation and falling government grants

Council tax increases, rent rises and service cuts are among measures proposed to tackle £2.1m deficit at a Nottinghamshire council.

Mansfield District Council said the gap was caused by rising demand, inflation and falling government grants.

It said these pressures meant the shortfall could rise to £5m by 2026-27.

Budget proposals include a 2.99% council tax rise and a 7.7% rent rise, along with cuts to Mansfield Museum, events funding and wider grants.

A reduction in support for the market is expected to save £24,000 a year

Additional cuts include the closure of public toilets in Warsop and Mansfield Woodhouse, fewer floral displays, savings in promotional activities including ceasing the printed production of My Mansfield, a reduction in support for the town's market and the withdrawal of mobility scooter provision.

Stopping grants to external bodies is expected to save £93,000 a year, while reductions to cultural services - including a cut in museum opening hours - should save £132,000 annually.

Labour executive mayor Andy Abrahams said: "It has been well documented that we have some tough choices to make so that the council has long-term financial stability.

"Like many councils, Mansfield has experienced a reduction in government funding, coupled with the increased inflation and costs of delivering services, we must find efficiencies.

"It means that we have to reduce services and apply our resources so that we can continue to provide the essential services that are most needed in our communities.

"These have been tough decisions to make and we are very mindful that this will have an impact on our workforce and require huge transformational changes in some of our service areas."

Also included are proposals to deliver a number of efficiencies across various council departments.

Officials said the plans had been influenced by a public consultation last year and would be discussed in a public meeting on 15 January.

But the council was keen to highlight a capital programme of more than £42m, including government-backed schemes like Mansfield Connect, Berry Hill Destination Park, Warsop Health Hub and Smart Mansfield.