COUNCIL spending plans for the coming years are limited as local authorities continue to wait for clarity on future government funding.

Blackburn with Darwen Council members will discuss spending plans from 2019-2022 at a finance council meeting next week.

The plans use estimates for income and resources for 2020/21 and 2021/22, acknowledging that these are made in the absence of any information or detail regarding the allocation of local government funding for 2020/21 and beyond.

Local government minister James Brokenshire is currently overseeing a review of council funding.

Borough finances chief, Cllr Andy Kay, said: “Council reserves will be set as they have been in previous years at the absolute minimum we are advised which is £4m.

“Spending plans are limited and will focus on what people have told us is important to them such as support for the most vulnerable, improvements to waste and clean streets.

“We will focus on helping the borough grow and create jobs by supporting and attracting new businesses, working with residential and commercial developers and improving our town centres.

“Unfortunately we can’t plan any further ahead in any detail until the Government confirms any longer term funding.

“In the meantime we have to focus on making the most of what we have and looking at all opportunities for investment at the same time as keeping on top of the savings and service reduction programme.”