Swindon Council cuts non-statutory services to break even

Swindon Borough Council will most likely be raising council tax next year as a result of the cuts needed

A local authority is facing severe financial pressure following "painful" cuts to council funding.

Swindon Borough Council has warned non-statutory services will "take a big hit" as they struggle to balance the books for next year.

They are among many councils in England facing financial pressure after the government set out its tax and spending plans last month.

Councillors say £35m of reductions in expenditure are needed to break even.

"At one time, councils across the country had 50% or 60% of their overall expenditure provided by government grant," said the authority's head of finance, Councillor Kevin Small.

"Now ours is down to about 3% that burden has been put on council tax payers," he continued.

"I'm asking the people of Swindon to pay more council tax next year for less services, and it's all down to our Conservative government who have failed to back local authorities," Cllr Small added.

"All they've done since 2010 is take away money."

Councillor Kevin Small blames the conservative government for cuts to funding

Councils are required by law to have a balanced budget each financial year and provide "Best Value" to residents, proving they are committed to continuous improvement.

Despite cuts to non-statutory services, Cllr Kevin Small promised the authority would work hard to deliver on Swindon's three 10-year missions to 'reduce inequality, build a better Swindon and achieve net zero'.

"I didn't come into local government to cut services, I've been around a long time and I've fought many years to defend them," Cllr Small said.

"I take no pleasure in being forced by this government to cut services which the people of Swindon rely on. It's very painful," he added.

"Yes we are on a cliff edge but at the moment we've still got a rope tied to our feet, and as long as that rope stays sturdy we'll be okay," he said.

He added that he remains hopeful the authority can save services, with the council's overspend this year reduced from £10m to £6.5 million due to budget reallocation.

"As long as we use as little as we can to balance the books for next year, then I think we've got a very good chance of survival and providing good services for the people of Swindon," he said.