The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council admitted there were tough times ahead at a meeting last night.
Lindsay Whittle set out the council’s plans and priorities for the coming year at a cabinet meeting last night.
Councillor Whittle explained to fellow councillors that there will inevitably be tough times ahead, but he underlined his belief that the council is well placed to ride out the uncertainties caused by the current economic difficulties.
He said: “Last year we brought forward a three-year plan for improving services and our priorities for ‘building better communities for all’ has not altered despite the financial climate.
“Our key projects and actions remain in place. Our strength, we believe, lies in concentrating on delivering the services the public need and want. However, we recognise the Chancellor’s budget statement next week will probably bring further constraints to our plans.”
The council has agreed a number of key actions as part of a three year plan. These include a consolidation of the council’s administrative sites and a drive for more efficient council buildings.
It has also committed itself to letting tenants vote on a housing stock transfer.
Cllr Whittle also praised council chief executive Stuart Rosser, who recently announced his resignation.
He said: “Stuart has helped position this organisation as a sound financial council, with his directors he has delivered last year’s budget in line with our spending plans and therefore allowed us to approach this most difficult period with our head above the water.”