Brent considers £50 million savings

Brent Council needs radical new thinking if it is to withstand the recession and continue to improve services. This is the message from Brent's Chief Executive, Gareth Daniel, as the council looks for £50 million in savings over four years between 2010 and 2014.

Gareth Daniel said: "The economic outlook for local government is tough as we approach the end of an era of year-on-year spending growth. However, a harsh financial climate is no excuse for poor services or a lack of ambition. These savings are necessary to help fund increasing demand for social care and education services over the next five years.

"Whoever wins the next national and local elections councils will have a difficult job over the next four or five years. The Government has made it clear that local authorities must tighten their belts and Brent must reduce our costs by £50 million over the four year period 2010-14. This needs a massive focus on cost-cutting, securing greater efficiency, reducing waste and duplication and generating income in order to avoid cuts in jobs and services."

Brent was rated three-star improving strongly in the final round of CPA scores in April. Speaking to Brent's senior management group Gareth Daniel made it clear that the authority must remain ambitious in order to steer the council and the borough through the recession.

"We must continue to aim to be one of the top performers in local government and provide consistently excellent services to a diverse community," he said. "Of course, there will be some tough decisions to be made on the way but the problems in the wider economy are an issue for the pubic sector and emphasise the need for local government to get the most from absolutely every pound spent."

"At a time when the private sector is cutting jobs and pay the public sector must help by protecting the vulnerable, keeping down the tax burden and ensuring maximum value-for-money."

Brent will now embark on a comprehensive and unprecedented efficiency drive to secure the £50 million saving over four years. It is hoped that large-scale cuts in services and jobs will be avoided through greater efficiency and cost-cutting.

Mr Daniel added: "We are entering uncharted territory where the only certainty is the likelihood of much tighter finances whoever wins the next General Election. Brent can either adapt intelligently and become a much more efficient and business-like organisation or simply throw in the towel and accept several years of painful cuts in services and jobs. I prefer the first option."

The proposals are being finalised over the summer and Brent will announce detailed plans in the autumn for transforming its operations.