Archive for January 9th, 2013
Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Conservative Controlled Staffordshire County Council has pledged to reduce borrowing and cut interest payments by funding new projects with its own cash.
To make sure that less taxpayers’ money is spent servicing loans; the County Council will use its reserves and cash flows to fund spending wherever possible. In 2011/12, Staffordshire County Council was able to save £2million by using cash in this way.
A report setting out how the County Councils investment and borrowing plans for the year ahead will be presented to Cabinet next week.
The Treasury Management, Annual Investment and Minimum Revenue Provision Strategies 2013/14 proposes that, where possible, the Council will use its own cash instead of borrowing money, whilst retaining the flexibility to take out loans if necessary.
Cllr Ian Parry, Cabinet Member for Education, Finance and Transformation on the County Council, said, “We continue to maintain a sensible approach to managing Staffordshire taxpayers’ money in these difficult times. We are investing carefully and saving money by using cash instead of borrowing to make sure we get the best possible value for money for our residents.
“We maintained careful investments throughout the last financial year and are committed to building on this achievement despite a difficult financial situation nationally.
“At Staffordshire we pride ourselves for our efficient financial management, which means the money we have saved can be used to improve services for local people.”
Ian Parry will present the report to Cabinet for approval on Wednesday 16 January 2012.
Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Conservative Party Controlled Lichfield District Council is working to help businesses to cut their energy costs.
Lichfield District Council is working in partnership with Marches Energy Agency on a Business Energy Smart initiative.
The scheme aims to help local businesses to reduce the amount of fuel they waste, so they can cut their energy bills and increase their profitability.
Small and medium sized businesses across Lichfield District are being offered a range of services for free. These include:
- A telephone support line for businesses with energy awareness tips, advice on reducing consumption, negotiation of business tariffs and more
- A bespoke report for local businesses setting out potential actions and savings (following telephone support)
- A Business Energy Smart roadshow to visit local business parks, offering energy experts, advice and resources
- An LED bulk-buy special offer for Lichfield District businesses
- Energy awareness pitches at local business gatherings
Five local businesses will also be selected to receive a visit from an energy expert who will offer a free energy audit to assess where money can be saved.
Cllr Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said, “We know that many local businesses are struggling with the pressure of rising energy prices, which is why we are working in partnership with Marches Energy Agency to offer them help in how they can make their premises more energy efficient.
“By calling our Warmer Homes, Greener District energy advice line, businesses can access expert help and advice that should help to cut their costs while helping the environment.”
If you and your business would like to start saving on your energy bills this winter, call the telephone support line on 0800 677 1543.
Alternatively, email oliver@mea.org.uk for more information.
