Budget options under scrutiny

OLDHAM Council’s budget options will be put under the spotlight next week during a special meeting.

The council’s Performance and Value for Money Select Committee will be investigating the budget options next Tuesday in a bid to balance the books.

The committee will be looking at the current budget proposals and options put forward to ensure that a balanced budget is delivered for 2009-10.

Members will be given the opportunity to scrutinise the report and make any recommendations it feels are appropriate to Cabinet.

The council is facing a budget gap of over £17 million in 2009-10.

Job cuts are on the cards for council staff, with unions warned to brace themselves for a possible 850 redundancies.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “The scrutiny process is a vital part of decision making and aims to ensure that the proposals that have been put forward by Cabinet are thoroughly examined.

“It also gives elected members the opportunity to comment on the options for the necessary savings to produce a balanced budget.

“I look forward to the comments from the committee and hope that they are of value to us in ensuring that we have not overlooked any opportunity to produce a balanced budget and provide efficient services.”