County in a balancing act

EAST Cambridgeshire residents have been asked where the axe should fall as the cash-strapped county council struggles to balance its books. Councillors have held several consultation sessions around the district. But, even after the cuts have been made,

EAST Cambridgeshire residents have been asked where the axe should fall as the cash-strapped county council struggles to balance its books.

Councillors have held several consultation sessions around the district.

But, even after the cuts have been made, taxpayers face a five per cent increase in their Council Tax, forcing those living in an average Band D property to find almost another £45 a year.

Also, Cambridgeshire County Council will still be overspending on services by £1.76million with a further deficit of £1.5million from trading services, such as school meals.

The Conservative controlled council has already revealed it plans to slash £2.8million from environment and community services, including £1.3million cuts to support services for vulnerable adults and almost £1million from children and young people's services.

Spending on respite care - the service which allows families a much-needed break from caring for the severely disabled - could be one area where a £40,000 saving could be made.

More than £500,000 looks set to be cut from the road maintenance budget and there are £95,000 of savings on the county's library book fund, with a further £5,000 reduction to the mobile library services.

The decision on the budget and Council Tax will be made on February 20.