Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leader has today confirmed that the proposed changes to terms and conditions mean there will be no compulsory redundancies and that frontline services will be protected.
The Council faces a £14M budget gap as a result of the savage cuts to public services being imposed by the UK Government.
As part of the Council’s strategy to address this funding gap, savings made in the revision of terms and conditions and more efficient working will mean that the public of Rhondda Cynon Taf and the essential frontline services the Council provides will protected from the worst ever financial settlement the Council has received (so they say).
County Borough Councillor, Russell Roberts (pictured), Leader of the Council said: “The changes to employee terms and conditions coupled with efficiency savings will mean that the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf are protected from the impact of the cuts imposed upon us.
“As Leader I am well aware that we are the largest local employer and in many circumstance whole families are employed by us.
“This situation is not of our making, but we have to act responsibly and our decision means that people’s livelihoods and jobs are protected now and into the future
“By taking this decision which in money terms is worth £5.5M and delivering even more efficiencies which achieve savings of £8.5M, we will close the budget gap.
“With only more pain destined to make its way down the M4 from the government, people will be more reliant on the public services we provide, and so the protection of the services we provide is vital.
“I believe these are very important principles that will guide us in setting the Council budget in the coming weeks and setting a fair and responsible Council Tax.
“I am convinced this is the right direction to take and I confirm once again that there will be no compulsory redundancies and no cuts to frontline services in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Local jobs are safe and protected thanks to this decision.”
