Calderdale’s new-look Cabinet said it had been difficult to match spending with reduced funds.

The council’s senior councillors met for the first time last night since the Labour Party split with their council coalition Liberal Democrat colleagues in April.

The new all-Labour Cabinet heard how last year’s budget balanced despite the council needing to dig deep to fund money to help with the flooding effort.

Some projects are being carried forward to this year – £100,000 for toilets in the borough’s parks, including some at Wellholme Park, Brighouse .

Calderdale say the public convenience schemes are in place and awaiting going out to tender for contractors.

A further £108,000 has been agreed for play areas, but there is a delay due to procurement issue between the authority and Kirklees Council .

And £70,000 remains for Bailiff Bridge Library – which is delayed due to lease issues.

Clr Tim Swift, leader of the authority, said: “Despite the hard restrictions the borough has faced, the budget comes in within target. The next spending review will still bring pressures.”

The Examiner reported last week that after last year’s heavy rainfall, which flooded 900 homes and businesses, the authority is setting aside a further £500,000 for severe weather during 2013/14.

They also agreed last night to use £500,000 from balances to help fund flood prevention work.

The council’s biggest capital expenditure was on schools and education at £17.7m with roads, infrastructure and parking second at £4.7m.

The council also spent £419,000 on Halifax Piece Hall’s regeneration from its capital.

Funding committed for the West Vale Cycle scheme has been deferred due to “protracted land negotiations” around the Greetland area.

Also at last night’s meeting:

Clr Janet Battye, Lib Dem leader and former deputy leader until the council’s coalition split, queried if there would be a cross-party budget review group, as in previous years. Clr Tim Swift, leader, said they would take a view on that later in the year.

The Cabinet also disbanded the Elland Civic Centre and Library Local Development Project Steering Group.