REDDITCH will receive £88,000 from central Government over the next two years to cushion the blow of the recent cuts to their Revenue Support Grants.
With Redditch Borough Council receiving a 43 per cent cut in national funding over the next financial year, this £44,000 cash boost for financial years 2016/17 and 2018/19 is a welcome relief, but council chiefs still fear it will not be enough to soften the blow to their budget.
At the executive meeting on Tuesday (February 2) councillors said they were disappointed to find the grants reduced more than they expected.
MP Karen Lumley led a consultation with the Secretary of State alongside the leader of the county council while Coun Bill Hartnett pleaded the town’s case as one of the hardest hit boroughs in the country.
Mrs Lumley said: “I am delighted the Government has made sensible responses to the reasonable suggestions made in the consultation.”
The funds will be added the town’s overall budget and is not ear marked for any specific area.
Coun Hartnett said: “I am very grateful the minister took heed of the plight of Redditch.
“I would have liked more but I am grateful and believe it will go some way to helping us provide the services needed to the town’s people.”
Coun Juliet Brunner, Leader of the Conservative group, added: “I would like to thank Karen for her tremendous efforts in lobbying Greg Clark on behalf of the residents of Redditch on this issue.
“This is all very welcome news.”
