Decisions on many important issues were taken at the Full Meeting of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council last night. (26/2)
Councillors approved moves to balance the budget unanimously and help the council cope with the severe financial situation it faces. They backed a modest 1.9 per cent increase in the borough Council’s share of the Council Tax.
The borough council is facing a very difficult financial situation as it expects to have £9 million less to run services with by 2020 than it had in 2010, due to falling funding and rising costs.
Councillor Colin Huckle, borough council Finance and Assets Brief Holder, said: “We are facing a very difficult financial situation due to funding cuts and rising costs. Times are tough, but we are taking action by working in partnership to reduce costs. We are also transforming services, so they are not only more efficient, but also more customer focused and easier to access online.”
The borough council only keeps about 16 per cent of the bill. The rest is made up of charges from Dorset County Council, Dorset Fire and Rescue, Dorset Police and town and parish councils.
Councillors also voted to enter a new Collaboration Agreement with West Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council. The agreement allows the formation of the ground-breaking tri-council partnership. It also makes Matt Prosser, who is currently Chief Executive of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council, available to North Dorset District Council.
It is hoped the agreement will reduce costs by around £6million across the partnership by 2020. Under the agreement Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council will share a single workforce. Each council will remain independent, equal and have their own decision making councillors.
Councillor Mike Byatt, Chairman of the borough council’s Management Committee, said: “The challenges facing local Government mean we need to change and adopt new ways of working. Partnership working as well as an effective medium term financial plan and the evolving Weymouth Town Centre Masterplan will help us achieve our goals and deliver economic growth and increased well being for residents.”
Possible changes to Weymouth Port were also put on hold to allow more time to explore whether a new ferry service might be launched. Councillor Kate Wheller, Chairman of the Harbour Board, said: “The council has agreed to the de-classification of the port’s restricted area, but also agreed to suspend this decision up until 31 Octoberat the latest to allow continued negotiations with the potential ferry service operator to take place.
“Negotiations have been very positive to date, but we feel this is a sensible move as it keeps our options open and gives us the best chance to bring a ferry service to the area while ensuring we are prudent in managing the future operation and finances of the harbour.”
