Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Recap: Ray Mallon outlining new wave of cuts at Middlesbrough Council


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Middlesbrough Council's elected mayor is this evening unveiling proposals to make £14m of savings in the next financial year.


At this stage last year, Ray Mallon outlined plans to axe 600 jobs in order to make £22m of savings in 2014/15.


The 'savage' budget cuts were ultimately voted through in March this year.


We are reporting live from tonight's meeting as Mr Mallon's plans are revealed for 2015/16.






The extraordinary meeting announcing a further £14.1m of budget cuts at Middlesbrough Council has now ended.






Mayor Mallon: "A vote for council tax freeze is a vote against the people.

"Am I emotional? Damn right I am. It's the right thing to do."






Mayor Mallon told the meeting: "Public borrowing is going up. And the deficit is not going down.

"The only game in town is building more houses getting more council tax to pay for elderly in 2020.

"You can't blame me for wanting to build more houses and increase council tax.

"I speak to you as an Independent I am independent through and through."






Councillor Bernie Taylor: "Labour has always supported council tax rise."






Labour councillor Shamal Biswas said: "Not this council but due to the government. We have a tough job to do."






Full story on the cuts and tonight's meeting will be on The Gazette website from 8.30pm tonight, and full coverage in tomorrow's paper.






Mayor Ray Mallon has finished his speech and sat down. He is inviting comments from councillors.






In conclusion, the cuts will total £14.1m. The consultation will run until December 3.






Mallon: "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of raising our council tax base and population so we get more Formula Grant from Goverment.

"We must raise the council tax base and not reduce it.

"Failure to do so will result in dire consequences for residents."






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