The council has said it will have to make over £100 million in cuts due to a forecast budget deficit. Brighton and Hove City Council has released a report on savings it may have to make due to “significant financial pressures”. It is currently facing a potential budget shortfall of £105 million over four years, with a possible £36 million deficit for the next financial year.
The council has blamed the shortfall on increased costs and demand for key services, such as adult social care and homelessness. The report outlines future budget planning as well as a recommendation for a long term, four-year financial plan to tackle the black hole. It will review its “significant financial pressures” at its next cabinet meeting on September 26 at Hove Town Hall.
READ MORE: Residents say council closure of Eastbourne pool will be "detrimental" Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance and city regeneration, said: “This is a challenging time for councils across the UK and it is vital we continue to identify cost pressures, and any resulting financial shortfalls, over the short and medium term. “Local authorities have been starved of funding for more than a decade, while demands on our services have steadily increased. This council alone has already made more than £130 million of savings in that time.
“We are optimistic we will receive additional funding, and more sustainable medium-term settlements, but it would be irresponsible.