Kent County Council to slash almost £300million from budget over next three years

A consultation has been launched into the cuts, which the council blames on a decrease in funds from central government and increasing demand for social care services.

More than £90million must be cut over the next year, with the council looking for residents’ input on how they should save £81million. A further £10million will be raised thought a 1.99 per cent council tax increase.

Similar savings will be needed from the budget for the following two years.

Council leader, Paul Carter, said: “Kent County Council would ideally, in these difficult economic times for households - with costs rising and family incomes stretched – have preferred not to increase council tax next year. Regrettably we feel this is not going to be possible.

“[We are] determined to maintain good quality services against rising demand, less central government funding and national inflationary pressures.”

For more information, visit kent.gov.uk.