Bills will not go up in Mansfield, say councillors

The council hopes there will be no increase in the majority of fees and charges including car parking, brown bin garden waste collections, burials and allotments.

But a funding gap of £3.1m will have to be plugged.

This is mainly due to the continued reduction in government grants, an on-going reduction in income from car parking, markets and property lettings due to the economic climate and low interest rates from investments.

Coun Roger Sutcliffe, member for resources and deputy mayor at Mansfield District Council, said: “It is becoming more and more difficult to find the savings necessary to balance the budget while maintaining the current level of service.

“Residents will not notice a reduction in the provision of services in 2014-15 despite the continued reduction in government grants.

“This budget represents a great opportunity for the economy and future of Mansfield District and continued appropriate investment will result from the measures identified.

“Although the current proposals deliver a balanced budget designed to support growth and investment there are difficult decisions to be made in future years as the deficit increases to £4.731m by 2017-18.”

Cabinet’s recommendations will be considered by Full Council on 22nd January.