Since we were created in 2009, we’ve reduced our spending by over £192m by working more efficiently.
Every year we automate processes to reduce costs and look for alternative ways of generating income. This will continue but every year it gets harder to make further savings.
Significant steps have already been taken to limit spending in 2023/24.
We have:
- stopped all but essential recruitment
- stopped all non-essential spending
- reduced the number of senior managers we employ
There are further proposals to reduce our costs or generate income in the draft budget. This includes:
- Replacing IT hardware (e.g. laptops) less frequently and reviewing software costs.
- Recruiting our own foster carers, reducing the need for more expensive agencies.
- Optimising school transport routes.
- Using more modern energy-efficient LED lights that provide better quality light and enable us to dim them.
- Developing an income stream by leasing the new care homes the council is building in Leighton Buzzard (Marigold House) and Steppingley Road in Flitwick to care providers.
- Generating income by charging insurance companies for CCTV footage.
- Generating income from charging contractors using electric vehicle charging.
- Offering local businesses the opportunity to sponsor a roundabout, providing an advertising opportunity for them and income for the council.
- Lowering care costs by replacing old care homes with modern care homes and providing extra care/independent living schemes and day services.
- Improving customer service and offering more online and automated services for those who can use them.
- Reviewing care packages for older people and people with a learning and physical disability to ensure they are proportionate together needs and offer the best value. Right-sizing care packages can reduce costs and also improve outcomes for people because it encourages independence and reduces reliance on social care services.
- Modernising the approach to day care, investing in extra care accommodation, and using assistive technology more. These are well-established practices in the council that prove to be more cost-effective without compromising the quality of care and support people need.
- Delaying the implementation of kerbside glass collection until 2026/27, saving £1m of cost in 2025/26. The Government may provide funding to councils that are not already providing this, so it is more prudent to wait.
- Reducing plans for building new assets. The council will still build new care homes, school buildings, and other facilities, but the capital programme will be less than in previous years. You can read more about the Capital Programme.
These plans are not enough to address the budget gap. We have to make further changes to our services.