Wealden Council approves a second phase of cost cutting

Wealden Council has approved a second phase of cost cutting which should save £2.9 million on top of £1.8 million already identified as part of its 'transformation programme'.

Proposals to further streamline back office support, reduce costs and explore sharing the costs of Wealden services with local authority neighbours, were approved by cabinet last week.

Council leader Cllr Bob Standley said: "We are expecting reductions in our grant from Government to be at least 35 per cent so we have taken action now."

He said free parking in main towns and villages and recycling would not be affected.

A further 50 posts will be lost, according to a council press release, but new customer service arrangements should modernise and improve links with residents.

The cabinet also welcomed progress on the move to a single site headquarters in Hailsham which is expected to save £350,000 a year.

Refurbishment of the Hailsham offices to allow for the transfer of staff from Crowborough will be paid for from the proceeds of the eventual sale of the Pine Grove, Crowborough, offices and internal borrowing.

The council is seeking to avoid compulsory redundancies by offering staff affected by the changes alternative posts that become available as a result of staff turnover, subject to skills and training.