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SHEPWAY AGREES TO £600,000 SAVINGS

Savings of more than £600,000, made as a result of an agreement between Kent County Council and Shepway District Council, have now been agreed.

Kent County Council has agreed to take over certain services from the district authority including street cleaning, grounds maintenance, provision of lease cars, and some highways services. Its own in-house trading company also provides various supplies and services for Shepway. Together with administrative savings, the agreement will save Shepway Council £610,000 in 2005-2006.

“Although there will be no noticeable change in front-line services, this agreement will have a big impact on our budget,� said Cllr Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway Council.

“It has shown how well Shepway Council and Kent County Council have worked together to produce savings in a transfer of services. I am very pleased to have been part of an agreement that will bring no changes on the ground but will bring significant financial benefits. It will help us keep any increase in our element of the council tax to a minimum.�

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Nick Chard, said: “This initiative, first put forward by Michael Howard MP, has resulted in tangible benefits for residents. This agreement also demonstrates how, when two councils work constructively together, they can make a positive difference.�