Poor funding still the biggest issue for county council

POOR funding remains Leicestershire County Council’s Achilles’ heel, says a new performance report.

The look-back over the last 12 months highlights good financial management and a range of achievements across transport, support for vulnerable people, health and well-being and the economy.

The document warns though that remaining the lowest funded county in the country will hamper the delivery of services and council tax levels, if unaddressed.

Byron Rhodes, deputy council leader, said: “Every day, we deliver services that transform lives, boost businesses, enable people to recycle, and much more. By planning ahead and taking tough decisions, we’ve saved £210m since 2010 and I’m pleased this report underlines sound financial management and that we’re delivering services well.

“Our fair funding campaign has secured a review. And being ranked the most productive council three years in a row shows that we’re continuing to get bang for our buck. But if funding is levelled up, we can do even more for our residents. Growing demand for services is putting our budget under greater strain. That’s why having a longer-term solution to local government finance is essential and we’ll continue to press for change.”

The annual delivery report was approved at a recent county council meeting (4 December). It sets out progress over the last 12 months, including:

■ Carbon emissions from county council sites dropped by 12 per cent – and waste produced fell by 16 per cent

■ 196 apprentices employed by the county council – 62 more than last year

■ 66.8 per cent of 11-year-olds achieving the expected standard or above in reading, writing and maths

■ 100 per cent of special schools rated good or outstanding

■ 47 per cent of roads gritted when ice is forecast – and six gritters fitted with new technology

■ The number of delays for people leaving hospital involving adult social care halved

■ Teenage pregnancy rate dropped for the 10th year in a row

■ A new campaign launched to raise awareness of suicide and tackle the impact

■ More young people leaving care are in education, employment or training

■ Over 90 per cent of people supported by adult social care say services make them feel safe and secure

■ E-loans at libraries rose by over 70 per cent to 238,000