A borough council cabinet member is determined to battle against an impending “financial black hole” which could creep up on us within three years.
Cllr Chris Morley became West Norfolk Council’s portfolio holder for finance after the new Independent-led administration was confirmed earlier this year.
He first stood as an Independent councillor in the run-up to the 2019 local elections, and after emerging triumphant in the Bircham with Rudhams ward he set about contributing to what he felt was “better scrutiny and project management”.
Now, as a cabinet member, he has been tasked with overseeing the council’s finances during a time in which he believes money has been “progressively squeezed”.
Cllr Morley says the Government has asked the council to use its reserves to balance the books – but he is concerned that due to inflation and other statutory obligations, the £9million it currently has could be used up entirely by the 2025/26 financial year.
This could therefore plunge us into a “financial black hole” by 2026/27, he said – possibly in excess of £4million.
“I am determined to hand over to the next administration with money in the bank, so we are initiating a cost management, efficiency and revenue generation review,” Cllr Morley told the Lynn News.
“This type of management action was suspended during and after Covid. We have much work to do to recover our position as even 5% improvement in efficiency will only save around £1million.”
Cllr Morley admits that the new borough council administration, which was formed in partnership with Green and Liberal Democrat members, has experienced some challenges in “fusing” their political beliefs together.
However, he says members are nearly there when it comes to identifying key visions, strategies and objectives – with these set to be announced in October.
“As an Independent, I do not have to follow the dogma of a political party,” Cllr Morley said.
“However, once in office, to secure your plans through the council voting structure, you must group together and vote as one.
“Therefore, we start from scratch in forging cohesion and group development. To make progress we must compromise to agree common purpose.
“However, each member can tenaciously hold onto their own views. I welcome this diversity and is the blessing of being independent.”
Moving forward, one of Cllr Morley’s key aims will be to see the levies the borough council receives from council tax increased.
He believes that the amount taken by Internal Drainage Boards, for example, “falls disproportionately on the people of West Norfolk” – and he is therefore joining a consortium of around 15 other councils to lobby the Government for more funding.
He has also backed plans to double the council tax of second home owners in the borough – something council leader Terry Parish has thrown his weight behind – in order to drum up some more revenue.
However, his main aim at the moment remains securing the council’s financial future.
“As to future funding, I should sensitise people to two further aspects of uncertainty: namely, devolution and the General Election,” Cllr Morley added.
“Hopefully we will secure a greater share of the ‘cake’ following devolution and that the next Government will be more generous with our county. This is one aspect to look out for when parties produce their General Election manifesto.
“Notwithstanding the work we are doing with the future plans and our ward work we have been pursuing business as usual; including residents support, planning applications and grants of various persuasions.
“We will also shortly be consulting on our proposals to widen the beneficiaries of council tax support and improve the level to 100% – we have a very busy time ahead.”
Behind the Councillor: “I feel very fortunate to live in this beautiful part of the country and enjoy, with my wife, Jane, walking our dog, welcoming friends and family and attending local social events – particularly quizzes.”
