Vince Maple discusses Medway Council's budget

Transcript

00:00Is it true it's very likely that Medway Council could effectively declare itself bankrupt?

00:05Look, I think that's very unlikely. We're working hard to deliver the Financial Improvement and Transformation Plan.

00:12We're working with hard-working officers both across the council and indeed in civil service departments,

00:19not just in MHCLG but other areas, the Department of Transport of course.

00:24If that EFS funding doesn't come through, is it going to happen?

00:27Well no, we will look very carefully. We'll have to take some more difficult decisions, there's no doubt of that.

00:32If you are working on a plan that says you're going to be receiving some additional support,

00:37but the indications are very clear that this government wants to work with council.

00:42In a year's time, me and you might be standing here talking about a financial state of Medway Council.

00:46Then, do you think it might be a more positive outlook?

00:50Well, one of the things we know that's coming next year, next financial year, is a multi-year settlement from government.

00:57Under the Conservative government, we had year on year, so it was difficult to plan a multi-year settlement

01:03with a government who have clearly indicated they'll be looking at the issue of funding based in part on need.

01:09We know that Medway has some high levels of deprivation in parts of our community.

01:13I'm hopeful that will be a positive outcome for our community here in Medway.