Government announces £6.2 billion of savings in 2010 to 2011
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles comments on the £6.2 billion of savings from government spending in 2010 to 2011.
Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws announced the details of £6.2 billion of savings from government spending in 2010 to 2011 to tackle the unprecedented £156 billion deficit, while protecting the quality of key frontline services.
Commenting on the £6.2 billion of savings in 2010 to 2011, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:
The spending decisions we have outlined today show our determination to help tackle the immense public deficit the new government has inherited, whilst shielding council services like rubbish collections and social care.
There will be no reduction to the £29 billion general grant that local government receives every year meaning that they have the flexibility they need to protect the frontline. But this is also an opportunity to devolve real power to councils. By removing ringfencing and red tape and freeing up resources councils will be free to focus on delivering essential services.
Councils have already made big efficiency savings in recent years. Central government needs to follow that example. We are putting tough controls on Whitehall spending. A radical scaling back of the scope and interference of quangos and putting power with councils and communities will deliver significant savings, ensure services are meeting the needs of the people that use them and cut out waste.