Surrey County Council’s drive to improve public services and provide better value for money for residents has uncovered savings of nearly £23 million in its first year. Public value reviews (PVRs) of all services and functions are being carried out as the council strives to become a world class authority. The first five to be completed since last July’s launch have identified total savings of £22.7m over four years. On Tuesday 13th July the council’s Cabinet will receive a report outlining the savings identified in the first 12 months of the three-year programme.

Surrey County Council deputy leader David Hodge said: “Given the current financial climate, we need to be even more vigilant in ensuring every penny spent provides absolute value for money to taxpayers, and will continue to be.

“Finding £23m of savings is proof we’re delivering on our commitment to provide residents with the best and most efficient services possible with less public money and are doing everything possible to hold down council tax next year.

“The five reviews were done without using expensive consultants and they have been a catalyst for finding new and innovative ways of providing services and we will use the experience and momentum gained in this first year as we push on towards being world class.”

The Cabinet report sets out savings by 2014 of:

£11.8m in services provided to people with physical and sensory disabilities through increasing independence
£2.5m at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service from a focus on prevention initiatives
£4.2m in recruitment by cutting agency staff use and advertising costs
£1.6m on waste disposal costs through recycling 70% of rubbish by 2013
£2.6m by increasing the number of children in the council's care who are fostered and tackling children’s problems before serious difficulties develop.

Services for children and older people are among 13 services that are currently being reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness, together with the council’s network of libraries and highways department.