Ashfield Council condemns planned Government funding cuts
Ashfield Council has condemned planned Government spending cuts that it says will strip more than £1m from its core funding.
The Ashfield Independents-led authority says national funding reforms will disproportionately impact its communities, placing further pressure on residents already facing significant economic changes.
Coun Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), council leader, said the changes were grossly unfair and would penalise Ashfield for having a strong record of financial responsibility and protecting frontline services.
He said: “Unlike many other local authorities, we have demonstrated sound financial responsibility over the last seven years.
"We have made sound, sensible decisions that have protected services across Ashfield, in the face of exceptionally challenging national circumstances.
“Now, thanks to these grossly unfair changes being imposed upon us by the Government, we are facing a five per cent cut in our funding over the next year – equating to more than £1.1m.”
Coun Zadrozny said this meant Ashfield was facing a 13 per cent reduction in its core spending power over the next two years.
He continued: “These cuts in our budget will arise not from local failure or inefficiency, but explicitly because Ashfield has managed its finances responsibly, creating the perverse outcome whereby well-run councils are financially punished while authorities that have exhibited reckless or unsustainable financial behaviour are comparatively protected.
“They are short-sighted, unfair and fundamentally unjust and we are calling on the Government to think again.”
Ashfield councillors, including opposition members, voted unanimously at a full council meeting to condemn the Government’s funding changes and pledged to work with local MPs and other bodies to lobby for a rethink and a fairer funding settlement.
Coun Zadrozny added: “Expecting Ashfield’s residents, many of whom already face economic hardship, to absorb the consequences of these reductions is unacceptable and morally indefensible.
“We have been the most successful council in the UK in bringing in external funding and we have punched above our weight in a miraculous way.
"Any rise in Council Tax won’t be the fault of Ashfield Council but will be a direct result of this dreadful Government policy.
"We will continue to press the government to change its mind and do the right thing.”