Careful budgeting and generating more savings across the Council has turned an over spend of £115,000 in July 2005 into an under spend of £71,000 at the end of December.
Good management, efficiency savings and careful budgeting have all had a major impact in turning the finances of the Council from debit into credit.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Finance and E-government Councillor Chris Williams says, “It is great news! Reviewing the budget on a regular basis enables actions to be taken to bring the budget back to balance. This council's emphasis on efficiency savings has been instrumental in this turnaround with significant savings from Economy, Tourism and Environment.”
Higher than expected income from Planning, Building Control, Recycling and the Council’s Car Parks and reductions in staffing pressures within council tax and benefits have all helped in turning the finances around.
It is anticipated that the under spend will drop back a little over the next couple of months but will still produce a surplus for the council at the end of the financial year.
