Council prepared for severe settlement, says Leader

Critical of both the depth of the cuts and the prolonged delay in announcing them, Cllr Stephenson, has reassured residents that the Council is determined meet the challenge of these unnecessarily draconian cuts and defend Harrow 's front-line services.  These cuts are in addition to the £5 million cuts already imposed by the Government during this financial year.

Harrow has been preparing for some time to deal with such cuts but the severity of them still comes as a surprise.

Cllr Stephenson has set out the driving principles that will underpin the Council's approach to reforming the way it operates and bring stability and growth to Harrow in the future and to defend front-line as best it can. They are:

• To carry out a major reform of services by working smarter to protect frontline services. For example, introducing technology to our libraries and cutting down on bureaucracy and backroom staff.
• To support those in greatest need. For example, the council has pledged to make this a top priority over the life of this administration and has introduced personalised budgets and Shop4Support to improve the lives of the vulnerable.
• To listen, involve and engage with residents and partners. For example, the council has launched its Lets Talk engagement programme asking people for their opinions on its priorities. It is also asking residents for their views on adult social care and will launch a consultation in January to find out how residents want their town centre to be shaped.

Tuesday's grant settlement delivered cuts in funding to Harrow of £6.3m in 2011/12, slightly better than expected. However, changes to the funding system mean it could be some days before the council gets a full understanding of the impact.

For 2011/12, this consists of reductions to formula funding of £8m although there are increases in specific grants (up £1.7m), including £2.5m to support the Council Tax freeze grant. A further £2.6m of NHS funding to support social care and benefit health is also included but it is not clear if the Council will receive any of this money.

Over the next 48 hours the council will be carrying out a detailed analysis of specific grant areas.

Cllr Stephenson said:

"This week's announcement was a grim confirmation of the harshest grant settlement in memory and a backward step for communities across the country. To this must be added the cuts in the police, education and the health service all of which will directly impact on local residents.

"It should be remembered that over a quarter of Harrows workforce are employed in the public sector and their jobs will be at risk.  Of course, they all also spend money in the local economy

"It was very disappointing just how long the Government took to announce these cuts making it difficult to get down to make decisions about next year's budget. The way the cuts have been presented is also poor, with NHS funding and terms like revenue spending power thrown in to blur the picture trying to make them seem less severe than they actually are.

"However, we knew these cuts were coming for some time and I want residents to know that comprehensive plans are in place to absorb the impact, and where possible, shield residents and vital front-line services from the blow.

"We must be realistic and from the outset make it clear this reduction in funding will have an effect on everyone in Harrow . But we have been preparing the ground and this summer we launched our Better Deal for Residents Programme to reform council services which will deliver £50m of savings over the next three years.

"This means we will need to continue to provide an important safety net for those in greatest need; older residents, those with mental health problems, the homeless and victims of domestic violence to name just a few.

"We will also keep Harrows streets safe and clean, and seek innovations.

"The reforms we are making will change the way the council operates and we want to make sure we know which services matter most to our residents and give them a real and direct influence on the decisions we make.

"That is why, through campaigns like Lets Talk, we are determined to listen and have an open, honest conversation with residents. We need their ideas and want people in Harrow to be involved in finding the solutions to these difficult financial times.

"By listening, involving our residents and leading, we can bring the stability we need and make sure Harrow is well placed to grow and prosper in future."