Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has singled out three councils for praise.
In a speech on localism, delivered today, Pickles said Adur, Bury and Cornwall local authorities were all acting to protect both frontline services and the pockets of local taxpayers.
In Adur, the authority has been sharing services, a chief executive and senior management team with neighbouring Worthing over the past four years. This has saved Adur £2m on procurement and £3m on revenue, allowing it to cut its budget by 25%.
In Cornwall, the council has identified savings of £170m over the next four years, with £9 out of every £10 saved coming from reducing duplication and efficiencies in senior management and property.
Bury is cracking down on abuse of the blue badge disabled parking permit scheme. This is expected to save at least £4,000 a year.
Pickles said: ‘Adur, Bury, Cornwall – that’s an ABC of can-do councils protecting the services their communities value with creative thinking.
‘There are many more showing residents and councils that
where there is a will there is a way for local authorities to keep taxes down
and protect frontline services. It leaves me in no doubt that local communities
have the talent and initiative to harness the new powers coming their way.’
