Northamptonshire set to make 'significant' cuts in roads and transport

Northamptonshire's road network is set to take a dramatic loss in funding as the crisis-hit council scrambles to solve its budget issues.

The county council has to find £60m to £70m this financial year in order to achieve a balanced budget.

A proposed action plan from the authority outlining a series of measures to address its dire financial situation includes suggestions to 'significantly reduce spending' in various areas including road maintenance and transport.

The plan is due to be discussed at a special full council meeting on Thursday 9th August at 10.30am.

The action plan has been drawn up in response to the issuing of a second Section 114 notice last month (July) by the council’s director of finance - imposing financial controls and banning expenditure on all services except for its statutory obligations to safeguard vulnerable people. The last notice was imposed in the previous financial year. Each notices is in place for 21 days.

County council leader Cllr Matt Golby said: 'Unfortunately there are going to be some very difficult decisions ahead for Northamptonshire as we work hard to bring our spending under control while doing our very best to protect services for the most vulnerable in our communities.

'This action plan outlines the approach we are going to take, which includes rigorous controls on spending, recruitment and contracts. These decisions will be made based on the core spending priorities discussed by full council yesterday.

'These are incredibly challenging times for the council but I am committed to ensuring we deliver those core services within the money we have available.'