THE story appeared in the Courier on Friday, November 18, issue 1112.

Devon County Council has announced emergency budget cuts because it is facing a budget "black hole" running into millions as spending continues to spiral and promised savings are not made says the Liberal Democrat group at DCC.

The group says the spending embargo and jobs freeze were just two immediate steps revealed at County Hall in Exeter in a surprise announcement by Conservative deputy leader John Clatworthy.

Care services for children and adults are forecast to be overspent by the end of March to the tune of £7 million.

Cllr Alan Connett, shadow leader of the council and leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition told the Courier: "We have been warning for months now that the council simply hasn’t got to grips with spending - it is out of control.

"There are more children coming into care and with the closure of the elderly residential homes in Devon both costing more money.

"This may affect people in Crediton because jobs may not be filled and could lead to people staying in hospital longer.

"Things that are currently in the pipeline may not happen."

He added: "The council is not cutting in the right place - they are currently spending £33,000 per month on rooms in hotels for meetings."

This equates to about £400,000 per year. Could this money be better spent elsewhere?

Please let me know. You can contact me at: 102 High Street, Crediton or by email at: [email protected] .

Devon County Council is still paying for the upkeep of empty homes in the county, including St Lawrence, closed by the Conservative administration at County Hall.

The cost of their upkeep is coming from general funds, which includes taxpayers money.

What you told us...

I guess austerity continues. It’s not really a surprise...sadly.

Deborah Watson, Lapford

Hospitals are a real worry at the moment. The aftercare for patients may really suffer if there is a jobs freeze.

Val Barker, Crediton

It’s not good enough especially for the elderly as we should be looking after them. It doesn’t bode well for youngsters either.

Or anyone that needs help these days.

Bev Dendle, Crediton

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