Levelling down

Government funding cuts, inflation and increasing demands are threatening services, so even well managed councils like Mole Valley face drastic decisions.

The next Budget for Mole Valley District Council will be the toughest yet as this Conservative Government continues to take Surrey residents for granted.

The Government ‘Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ proudly announces that it “supports communities across the UK to thrive, making them great places to live and work.” However, it is proving to be very selective about the communities it is willing to support.

The latest example is the £1.1 billion of pre-General Election sweeteners for 55 councils to refurbish and regenerate their town centres. Inevitably, there is nothing for Leatherhead, Dorking, or any other Surrey town. Across Surrey the ‘Department for Levelling Up’ has become known as the ‘Department for Levelling Down’! 

Mole Valley’s Lib Dem Council Leader, Stephen Cooksey said, “Councils throughout the country are struggling to keep their services running, with many on the brink of financial collapse. Careful financial management by the Lib Dems has kept Mole Valley’s finances in good order and, so far, your services intact.

“But to protect our services to residents next year, this Government’s neglect across Surrey means we must find another £1.5 million in savings or external income. That’s a big ask on top of the £1.4 million savings made since April 2022!”

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, Chris Coghlan added, “Giving all local Councils the necessary devolved powers to provide the services that residents want and deserve is a long-standing Liberal Democrat policy. We wholly support local government’s quest for a fair long-term funding settlement.”