COUNCIL tax will not rise over the next four years in Central Beds, despite the local authority having to find savings of almost �40million.

That is a decision made by Executive members of Central Beds Council (CBC) when they met on Tuesday to thrash out a draft budget for next year and beyond.

Due to a cut in government funding and increased demands on services such as adult social care and children’s services, CBC must reduce spending by �10.5m next year and nearly �40m over the next four years.

Measures to close the spending gap include reducing the number of council office buildings, streamlining management and reducing money spent on back office administration, and renegotiating contracts in areas including highways maintenance and information technology.

Cllr Maurice Jones, CBC’s deputy leader, said: “We are proposing significant savings and efficiencies by reviewing management structures and administration to protect frontline services.”

Investments will be made in road maintenance, school buildings, street lighting and new residential care facilities.

The draft budget is available at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations and at local libraries from next week.

Email your comments to consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to FREEPOST RSJS GBB2 SRZT, Budget Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, SG17 5TQ before January 27.

Full council will announce the final budget on February 23.