Cornwall Council cuts waste center days to save money amid budget crisis, impacting local services.
Council leaders faced difficult choices to cut costs, potentially impacting services aimed at protecting children. They acknowledged the emotional toll of these decisions.
Bodmin, Bude, and Connon Bridge centers are among those affected. Helston, Newquay, Redruth, St Day, Tintagel and Truro centers will also switch to a five-day schedule.
Launceston, Saltash and St Austell centers will initially remain open daily, as will Falmouth and St Erth. All centers will maintain weekend hours, despite some local dissatisfaction with the existing booking system.
The council approved an £840 million budget, which includes a 4.99 percent increase in council tax. The council, currently £1.3 billion in debt, hopes these cuts will prevent further financial hardship.
Services for children affected by online abuse are facing cuts. Protections against child exploitation may also be weakened. Winter gritting of roads, along with community grants, could be reduced.
Council leader Linda Taylor acknowledged the painful nature of the budget decisions. Councillor Mike Thomas drew attention to specific cuts in areas like waste centers and adolescent services.
Thomas further cited the potential loss of a sexual violence advisor and a missing children officer. The handyperson service could also be impacted by these cuts.
Thomas questioned the potential reputational damage to the council. Taylor responded that decisions were based on sound business rationales and compliance with legal obligations.
Barbara Ellenbroek described the decisions as exceptionally difficult and empathized with their impact on council employees. She stressed that service cuts were an undesirable outcome for everyone involved.
Deputy leader David Harris placed blame on the Labour government for the council’s financial challenges. He argued their actions had worsened Cornwall’s overall financial position.