Thursday 21 September 2023

EAST RIDING Council’s Cabinet has approved the use of £4.7 million of reserves in order to offset half the projected overspend being faced by the authority by the end of the current financial year. But that means the council is still on course to be in the red by £4.7 million. 

The council has told Beverley FM it’s putting measures in place to help reduce spending and bring the deficit down further, and aiming to balance the budget. These measures include tighter control of recruitment and only business critical spending.

Councillor Nigel Wilkinson, portfolio holder for finance, told us: “Most councils across the country are in the same position, in that demands in adult social care and children’s services are greater than the funding provided by Government for these services.” And he continued: “I want to reassure residents that the council will continue to provide the 600 plus services, and that people across the East Riding will not see any changes to service delivery.”

A SPATE of motorcycle thefts in Beverley and the surrounding area, with some of the stolen machines later found to have been dumped and set alight has brought a “be vigilant” warning from police. Community Support Officer Lee LeGrove told us: “Offenders normally target garages and sheds so it important that we make it difficult for them.”

AN AWARD-WINNING vineyard near Beverley wants to convert an existing farm building into an events centre. Laurel Vines, based at Aike, between Beverley and Driffield, has submitted a planning application to East Riding Council which will be considered in due course.