Picture: Daniel Forsyth. Image No.
THERE was no festive cheer for Moray Council last week as it became clear that additional savings of over £7 million will have to be found to balance the books. A statement issued from the joint leaders group – comprising SNP administration co-leaders Councillors Graham Leadbitter and Shona Morrison, councillors’ open group chief Councillor George Alexander and Moray alliance group leader Councillor John Divers – revealed that on top of the £6.4 million in savings agreed earlier this year a further £7.3 million will have to be found before the budget is due to be set in February. “This week the leaders of Moray Council’s four political groups met to be briefed on the council’s anticipated budget grant ahead of the settlement
being issued by the Scottish Government. “Our finance team continue to interrogate the detail of the detailed budget circular to bottom out exactly what it will mean for our budget for 2019/20 but it is looking like there will have to be another major reduction in spending. “At present it is estimated that we will need to reduce spending by a further £7.3 million. That will mean it is not possible to continue to fund many of the services we currently provide and the council will have to prepare for this by considering what further services will have to go. “Recognising the magnitude of the challenge, we will work together to prepare a financial plan that can be put before the entire council to provide a balanced budget for 2019/20. This will be an enormous challenge but we are determined to do the best we can for Moray.”