This figure is part of further efficiency savings of almost £1.3 billion across all 388 councils in England.
These expected savings - identified by local authorities in their annual forward look efficiency statements - compare with £760 million in 2004/05 and £1.1bn in 2005/06
Figures highlight that, if the reported efficiency gains are delivered, local government is well on its way to meeting the £3bn Gershon target a year ahead of schedule.
Minister for Local Government, Phil Woolas, said:
“The forward look demonstrates that local authorities are well on their way to achieving the target of £3bn worth efficiency gains by 2007/08. These figures illustrate councils' continued commitment to finding further opportunities for efficiency gains.
“The figures are significant and show that, if delivered, the Gershon target will be met a year early. This is good news and demonstrates the positive approach taken to efficiency – these savings could be used to improve front line services for communities or to keep down council tax increases.
“But there is still work to do and I expect local authorities to maintain their momentum and continue to strive for greater efficiency.”
Today’s figures build on the mid year update figures from December 2005 that indicated that local government would achieve £1.1bn in 2005/06. The figures exclude efficiency gains for schools, police and fire authorities.
A full breakdown of the forward look efficiency statements for all local authorities in England can be viewed at: www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1500619
Efficiency Gains Reported by Sector
|
Sector/Workstream |
Lead Department |
Value of Gains Expected (£m) |
|
Adult social services |
DH |
213.5 |
|
Children's services |
DfES |
92.2 |
|
Culture and sport |
DCMS |
47.8 |
|
Environmental services |
Defra |
102.0 |
|
Local transport (highways) |
HA |
54.6 |
|
Local transport (non-highways) |
DfT |
23.7 |
|
LA social housing (capex) |
DCLG |
26.5 |
|
LA social housing (other) |
DCLG |
67.4 |
|
Non-school educational services |
DfES |
58.5 |
|
Supporting people |
DCLG |
38.4 |
|
Homelessness |
DCLG |
12.3 |
|
Corporate services |
DCLG |
197.2 |
|
Procurement |
DCLG |
137.8 |
|
Productive time |
DCLG |
71.4 |
|
Transactions |
DCLG |
36.7 |
|
Miscellaneous efficiencies |
N/A |
94.3 |
|
Grand Total |
|
1,274.4 |
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Department for Communities and Local Government Website: http://www.communities.gov.uk
Issued on behalf of DCLG by Government News Network, West Midlands.
Regional news releases issued by the Government News Network can be viewed at http://www.gnn.gov.uk/
