Barnet easyCouncil Spends More Than It Saves

Barnet Council's attempt to create a no-frills model to cut costs will spend £1.5m on reforming council services this year, but only recoup £1.4m rather than the £3m planned. A spokesman says the "One Barnet" programme, dubbed easyCouncil, is on course to save more in future years - which they kind of have to, Barnet are already looking at a £15m shortfall next year. With efficiences in the public sector not always as simple to achieve as politicians often promise, is this a bit ominous? It's certainly not a great start for the council chosen as a pilot for Eric Pickles's 'community budgets' scheme. (Image / DodgyEye)