NO-ONE is entirely sure of the exact figures. But one thing is certain, the latest round of Government spending cuts will not be good news for services in Kirklees.
Local authorities do not get any advance warning of the detail of the Government’s Spending Review so council officials in Kirklees were left yesterday to say that its share of government funding could be reduced by anything from £18m to £33m.
It makes long-term strategies for local authorities extremely challenging to say the least and certainly demoralising for staff who have to deliver services and for service users who fear losing crucial support.
The implications of budget cuts for joint services in health and social care will worry many.
In an ageing population, the demand for these services is only going to increase. But if discretionary spending in these areas is affected then there can only be less money to use elsewhere.
And Kirklees Council chiefs have already flagged up the fact that it has, once again, libraries, sports centres and museums in its sights.
To some, this will seem like an easy option. But in this sort of funding squeeze, none of the decisions are easy.
What we all need to do is voice our opinions. They might just count.
