'It’s going to be tough and we are going to have difficult times ahead of us' - West Berkshire Council as cost of living crisis bites

West Berkshire Council is bracing itself for a round of cuts.

It says the cost of living crisis has pushed its budget over, and while it is not envisioning any cuts now, it is predicting tough times ahead.

It is already dipping into its cash reserves to keep its head above water.

And it is blaming "external pressures" .

A finance report told councillors that the first quarter of the financial year was £2.1m over spent.

Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen), said inflation was largely to blame:

“It’s going to be tough and we are going to have difficult times ahead of us,” she told last night’s executive committee.

“We are having the same pressures as everyone else as regards inflation. I for one am very glad I am sat in West Berkshire because this has been a financially astute and well run council.

“I see neighbouring councils like Slough getting more interventions as we speak. Even places like Oxford are creaking at the moment.

Slough council needs to sell up to £600m of its assets and make about £20m savings every year until 2029 to reduce its £680m borrowing debt and bridge its £479m blackhole.

“The harder discussion in West Berkshire will be looking at what further actions to take to restrict expenditure and I think we have to be open and honest with everyone about that,” added Ms Doherty.

“Inflation has wiped out a huge percentage of the settlement increases and every part of public service up and down the country will be squealing at the moment and trying to put forward their proposals for future funding. We will be no different.

“We will be lobbying hard through local government and our MPs that we need the right level of finance to enable those front line key services our residents depend on.”

The quarter two financial report is due in October.