KCC service cuts and maximum council tax rise 'inevitable'
County Council Leader Linden Kemkaren says necessary but difficult decisions are needed
Cuts to services and the maximum rise in council tax are “inevitable” in Kent, it was warned today.
Opposition parties were reacting to Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran’s prediction of “necessary but difficult decisions” as budget setting for next year approaches.
Cllr Kemkaran said the soaring cost of delivering statutory adult social care services would force the authority to make “necessary but difficult decisions” but did not state what they might be.
A monitoring report to go before KCC’s cabinet next Wednesday states that based on quarter two figures and an annual budget of £1.53bn, there is an anticipated overspend of £46.5m or 3%.
The papers say: “The most significant overspend is in adult social care and health (ASCH), totalling £50.9m (7.2% overspend). Of this variance, £20.9m relates to savings which are no longer anticipated to be achieved in this year, leaving £30m of other service-related pressures.”
Cllr Kemkaran said: “The latest monitoring report illustrates the incredible challenges facing the authority, particularly in relation to adult social care.
“When we were elected in May, it became apparent how challenged the adult social care budget was.
“To remedy the situation, we will need to make necessary but difficult decisions, and we will require some additional input from central government.”
During the recently leaked video of Cllr Kemkaran swearing and shouting at her members, she impressed the need for setting a council tax rise under the maximum of 4.9%.
Liberal Democrat deputy opposition leader, Cllr Richard Streatfeild, said a full council tax rise is likely on the way, adding: “We said it during the election, we’ve been saying it since. It seems to have only just dawned on Reform.
“You cannot do anything else if you are going to maintain your statutory obligations and protect vital services. The next quarter is usually the most difficult. Last year, there was a £30m overspend in Q3.
“If Reform can’t get a grip of adult social care it will put a £100m hole in the budget.”
Former deputy finance cabinet member under the previous Tory administration, Cllr Harry Rayner, warned if Reform attempts to keep the council tax low, the government will penalise KCC.
Cllr Rayner added: “It just shows their Reform’s ignorance. The full council tax rise has never been in question – it’s inevitable.
“If they try to set it lower, you not only lose the revenues but the government rules are set so that they’ll penalise you by giving you less.
“If they’re looking for cuts, they’ll have to be looking at discretionary services like libraries, recycling centres and so on.”
KCC deputy leader and head of finance, Cllr Brian Collins, said the council was looking at all areas for efficiencies but reiterated his stance that no decision has been made on setting the council tax.
KCC Labour group leader Alister Brady said: “If everything is on the table as Brian Collins says, then Kent residents should be very concerned. Did they know what they were voting for?”
There is an over-reliance on private care providers which is “not sustainable”, added Cllr Brady.