Mixed financial outlook for Leicestershire

Despite generating £2.7 million for front-line service thanks to property investment, a new report for Leicestershire County Council has warned of a ‘serious and extremely challenging’ financial situation.

Due to a shortfall in government grant for new school places, children’s social care demands and uncertainty over local government funding, the budget update reveals that the council has saved just under £200 million since 2010, and is facing a tough financial situation going forward.

The report also moots a bid to take part in a national business rate pilot, which, if successful, would unlock an extra £14 million to spend on public services across Leicester and Leicestershire. The council needs to save £50 million by 2022.

Therefore, the news that the council generated £2.7 million  in the last 12 months as a result of property investment is welcome news, especially with the council predicting that figure is likely to rise  to £10 million a year by 2022. The council’s property portfolio now totals £100 million and is set to grow to £260 million by 2022, with the report showing that it is generating just under 12 per cent return on investment, above the industry benchmark.

Byron Rhodes, deputy council leader, said: “Our financial position remains serious and extremely challenging, and is compounded by being the lowest funded county in the country. Taking tough decisions early on means that we’re in a relatively good position, compared to other councils, but demands outside of our control are piling on pressure. Our fair funding campaign has secured a review. Although now the government plans to invest billions in the NHS, there simply isn’t enough money to go round the public sector, and local government is likely to miss out, again.

“To balance the budget without a significant impact on services, we need to consider different ways of working and this bid for a business pilot is an example. By incentivising councils to support new businesses, the scheme is designed to maximise income – generating vital funds for us to spend here in Leicester and Leicestershire.”