Start-up costs for new Cheshire East Council are a matter of grave concern

8.10.15pm GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

The Government has grossly underestimated the start-up costs

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Dr Peter Hirst is very concerned that the Government have grossly underestimated the huge start-up costs for the new Cheshire East Council. He believes that this could have serious consequences on the services to be provided by the new authority.

Dr Hirst says: "With limited reserves being transferred to the new Council from the winding-up of the old County Council on 1st April, there are serious concerns that Cheshire East Council will be strapped for cash. There are usually unexpected costs in these transitional circumstances and yet there is no guarantee of any further help from the Government."

He continues " I have already drawn attention to the likelihood of escalating redundancy payments and what about pressure to alter all the road signs in the new authority? The new Council's budget will need to be scrutinised closely by our representatives to ensure vital services are not pruned beyond what is reasonable to make the books balance."