By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Mansfield’s MP has said the proposed cuts to the local public toilets, events and markets are a sign the district council hasn’t made the best financial decisions.
Mansfield District Council needs to find £2.2m in savings for the next financial year’s budget.
The Labour-run council says lack of government funding in a difficult economic climate is to blame.
However, Ben Bradley, the town’s MP and Nottinghamshire County Council leader, has suggested the council’s financial position is partly its own fault.
It is proposed the public toilets in Mansfield Woodhouse and Warsop are closed – although the council is attempting to find a way to save the latter with Warsop Parish Council.
The budgets for markets, floral displays, events and Mansfield Museum would also be cut.
MP Ben Bradley raised concerns about the impact of the cuts on residents who rely on them.
“I try not to be in the business of criticising local stakeholders because I want to work with people constructively. But it’s really difficult in this context where decisions will really affect local residents,” he said.
“I am a council leader, I know it’s a difficult job. But at the county, we’ve managed our budgets and balanced the books.
“At MDC, clearly they’re not in that position and that’s a great shame. Losing public toilets in particular will have a great impact on vulnerable residents especially.
“More widely cutting grants to community groups will have an impact on support for vulnerable communities.
“I can’t help but feel that when we talked about money being spent on flats it owns in London, that money could have been managed better and spent better.
“I’ve no doubt that my Conservative colleagues on MDC will be raising that over the course of the debates.”
The council says its budget has been put together following extensive consultation with residents.
It needs to close a £5m budget gap in the three financial years up to 2026/27.
Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I think Ben and Nottinghamshire County Council should concentrate on their own £60 million funding gap instead of criticising Mansfield District Council.
“We would expect our MP for Mansfield to support us through these extremely challenging economic times instead of criticising.”
He previously said: “It has been well documented that we have some tough choices to make so that the council has long-term financially stability. Like many councils, Mansfield has experienced a reduction in government funding, coupled with the increased inflation and costs of delivering services, we must find efficiencies.”
