Leisure centre charges could rise in drive to save £1.25m

Cabinet members will next week be asked to approve proposals which will see a range of services reviewed – including the dog warden service, the World of James Herriot, Thirsk Tourist Information Centre, public toilets, pest control and the civic newspaper, Hambleton News.

Councillors are expected to increase fees and charges for services such as leisure centres by eight per cent, with members of the scrutiny committees asked to look in more detail at individual area increases.

Reductions in Government grant support will be announced as part of the Public Spending Review next week, but Hambleton is braced for the worst.

"It is widely expected that cuts of up to 40 per cent may be levied in some areas, with local government looking at around 25-30 per cent cuts," said council leader Neville Huxtable.

"Our latest financial strategy makes provision for a 15 per cent cut and we have been working hard to identify other areas for savings. So far this year these areas have brought in 1.24m.

"The shared services project with Richmondshire District Council is helping to deliver many of them; efficiency savings have been made in many areas for Hambleton alone and the pay freeze brings in more cash."

He said the council did not expect to know the exact figure it will need to work to until later this year – following the announcement of the local government finance settlements.

No savings will be implemented until after the announcement, Coun Huxtable added. "But we are looking at two extremes – the worst case requiring additional savings of 1.5m," he said.

"As a result, it is sensible for us to look at a range of options to meet them but not agree implementation until we know the final figures.

"We have some tough decisions ahead but we want to ensure Hambleton District Council is well-placed to continue to deliver high-quality services to its residents by being prepared for the future."