Spending cuts to hit Fife hardest 'next year'
Fife Council's head of finance has signalled that public spending cuts could hit the region hardest next year, although exactly how hard remains to be seen.
Brian Lawrie.
Brian Lawrie said the 2011-12 financial year is likely to be the most "significant year" in terms of budget reductions, given the Westminster government's apparent intent to reduce the UK's financial deficit sooner rather than later.
Despite that assertion, Mr Lawrie admitted there is still great uncertainty about what the council's future position will be, particularly next year, and stressed a clearer picture will not emerge until later this year.
"It is clear from all the information currently available that there will be significant reductions in expenditure over the period to at least March 2016," he said. "The exact extent of the reductions is unclear but it is anticipated that 2011-12 will be the most significant year."
Things are expected to become clearer on October 20, when the UK Government's comprehensive spending review is published, although the Scottish Government's budget in mid-November will give council officials a better idea of how the reduction in finances will affect the local authority.
However, it will not be until the local government finance settlement, which is expected at the end of November or early December, that a full picture will emerge.
Mr Lawrie suggested that a planned for 12% reduction over the period 2011-12 to 2013-14 was still "realistic."
