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County budget set for bigger rise

It could go up by almost 9 per-cent

Devon County Council's budget could be going up by more than expected.

They'd agreed last month to increase spending by almost £32 million on children's services, adult care and roads, but Treasurer Mary Davis said it was set in the context of great national uncertainty and was therefore cautious.

She added: "I am aware my colleagues are coping with a huge increase in demand for their services."

Inflation-busting increases in spending were agreed by Devon’s ruling Cabinet before Christmas.

But councillors heard then that the General Election had meant a delay in the Government notifying councils of what financial support they would receive in the next financial year.

They agreed a draft budget which included a rise of almost £32 million in spending on children's services, adult care and roads across the county.

Now it's being recommended the budget goes up by £43 million, almost 9 per-cent.

The cabinet will meet again on Wednesday [15 January].

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