COUNCIL services could be cut across the district to save money, according to the district council’s new leader.
But John Gallagher would not be drawn on which services are at risk.
Minutes after being elected as the new leader of Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC), Cllr Gallagher was asked by Cllr Sarah Rouse how he intends to maximise income at the council.
Cllr Rouse said this could be through weddings, commercial waste or car parking charges.
“We’ve already addressed the car parking charges,” said Cllr Gallagher. “I think weddings are something we said we would have a look at.
“There are a number of areas where we need to save money but the different approach is what efficiencies we can have.
“There could be a reduction in services, which could save money. And there could be an increase in income from any of those areas you’ve mentioned.”
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Pushed on what services he is thinking of cutting, Cllr Gallagher said: “I think it’s maintaining the services as best we can with the budget we’ve got.”
Former leader Tom Wells said efficiencies and service reductions are not the same thing.
Cllr Gallagher responded: “I’m itemising where you could save on budget. You have a choice to make, and choices need to be investigated.
“I’m not saying one thing or another. All things have to be looked at in the round. So don’t pick up the wrong end of the stick and run with it because you have to look at all the options.”
Cllr Peter Whatley asked what infrastructure projects are likely to be undertaken in the next 12 months.
Cllr Gallagher said he would like to discuss priorities with his new administration.
Cllr Rouse told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I was alarmed to hear the new leader say they were looking at cutting services, that they had no policies agreed and that he had no idea what to do to increase council income.
“Residents deserve better than this. We have huge issues with a lack of affordable homes, cost of living crisis, the terrible flooding in Tenbury and all around Malvern.
“Yet the first thing the new administration wants to do is cut services despite having over £3 million to spend on priorities.”
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