Arun leader defends cuts

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Gillian Brown re-asserted her belief that the reductions were necessary to avoid future cutbacks.

This came despite considerable criticism from opposition councillors and public sector workers' Union UNISON representing some of up to 60 staff to be affected by redundancy.

Last week, the council's joint scrutiny committee called for the cabinet to propose the residents' panel Wavelength be polled on the cuts- which include reducing budgets for tourist information, cuts to town centre maintenance and reducing maintenance schedules for council housing stock.

But the panel rejected these requests, stating it only had 19 days before the matter was due to be approved at full council on December 16.

Mrs Brown suggested that a phone poll would cost 10,000 and concluded that its alternative, a web-based comment facility was also not advisable.

Branch chairman of Unison, Geoff Eyre condemned the cuts.

He said: "Unison is extremely disappointed at the restricted timescale allowed for the union to make a meaningful response.

Although the likelihood of the need for savings has been known for some time, UNISON has not had the opportunity to input to the various working parties and other processes which have considered the various options for savings and the people we represent.

We are also disappointed, but not surprised that the leader of the council has been unwilling to accept any major savings against direct member costs, in particular the council considered the question of allowances earlier this year and had the opportunity to show leadership at that time by sharing in the difficulties faced by Arun residents," said Mr Eyre, who said that the cuts would also significantly impact on tourism information provision, council housing repairs and budgets for green space management.

In response, Mrs Brown said there had been 'tough decisions to be made that were bound not to be popular' and felt the cabinet and its officers were recommending the most appropriate course of action.

She said: "The challenge facing this council is a very demanding one, we cannot deny that at all.

"The proposals before us are not being considered lightly. But we are having to take these steps because of matters outside of our control '“ this is the biggest national debut that I can remember.

"We have been a prudent council, we have not lurched from one budget to the next and are in a stronger position than some councils not too far from here.

"The economy will grow again but in the meantime we will have to live within our means."

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