Lancaster City Council is inviting people to find out more about how it plans to transform the way it delivers services to address a predicted shortfall in funding over the coming years.
The council has embarked on a programme called Outcome Based Resourcing (OBR) that will see it examine every area of its budget and match resources more closely with its priorities.
An online briefing will take place on Tuesday November 15 at 6pm for people to find out more and what it could mean for the way the council provides services in the future. People can register to attend by visiting Lancaster.gov.uk/OBR-briefing.
The OBR programme includes looking at ways the council can do things differently by utilising technology and being more efficient, or areas in which it can invest to raise more income.
While the council intends to continue direct delivery rather than outsourcing, in some circumstances services may be delivered in partnership with community organisations by using shared resources.
The overriding principle is to protect and enhance frontline and neighbourhood services so they reach those who need them the most.
Councillor Anne Whitehead, cabinet member with responsibility for finance, explained: “These are difficult times for us all and the picture is extremely volatile, but what is clear is that the current condition of the economy has left the council with some extremely tough choices if it is to balance its budget.
“At the same time, we have the opportunity to reimagine how we deliver services to protect frontline and neighbourhood services that our residents most need and want.
“While the simple thing to do would be to reduce all our existing services by a percentage, this isn’t sustainable in the long-term and risks us being unable to run important frontline services.
“What is needed is a revision of how the council operates to ensure that the services we provide prioritise those that make the most impact in our district.
“No stone will be left unturned and along the way we will be pursuing opportunities to work in partnership with local organisations, groups, communities, and residents to achieve the maximum positive outcomes for our communities.”
In addition to the public briefing on November 15, there will be opportunities for the public and partner organisations to get involved and have their say. More details will be made available in the coming weeks and months.
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