Nottinghamshire Conservatives have accused the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council il administration of breaking their key election pledge to cut waste and save taxpayers’ money, after it emerged that their decision to remain at County Hall will cost taxpayers millions in lost savings and unbudgeted spending.
Councillor Sam Smith, Conservative Leader of the Opposition says new council report ‘confirms that continuing to occupy County Hall will wipe out the £1.7 million annual saving built into the budget under the previous Conservative administration.’
Cllr Smith said that the move to Oak House, on the border of Hucknall, had been carefully planned to modernise the council’s estate, reduce running costs, and free up funds for frontline services.
The Reform administration has proposed over half a million pounds in urgent repairs and maintenance to keep the County Hall building operational. Taxpayers face duplicate running costs for both County Hall and Oak House, along with additional staffing expenses that were never budgeted for, he said.
Under the previous plans, Cllr Smith said these investments would have delivered savings of around £30 million over the next ten years and that Reform’s decision to keep both County Hall and Oak House open will add millions more to the deficit.
He added that: ‘The financial chaos doesn’t end there. By choosing to cling onto County Hall, Reform are also putting one of Nottinghamshire’s most iconic public assets at risk. Under Cllr Khan’s A46 local government reorganisation plan, ownership of the site could pass to the City Council – a move that the Conservatives fear will lead to the site being sold off to help pay off the City Council’s debts.’
The Conservatives had plans to develop the site to generate income for the council, helping to fund vital services and keep council tax low – something the City could now benefit from on the back of Reform’s reckless decision.
Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Group, said:
“Reform promised to make savings and cut waste, but within months of taking charge they’ve done the exact opposite. The £1.7 million annual saving in the budget has vanished, and they’re now spending hundreds of thousands more to keep a second building open – all while blowing £500,000 on Trent Bridge House for staff who aren’t even moving there. This isn’t good financial management – it’s complete chaos.”
He added: “We can debate the future of County Hall – many of us value its history and significance – but the fact remains that this decision completely contradicts everything Reform claimed to stand for. They talked about efficiency, yet their first major decision has created a financial black hole that taxpayers will have to fill. And by clinging to County Hall, they’re putting the site at risk of falling into City Council ownership and being flogged off to pay for their mistakes, putting County taxpayers’ money and assets at risk – a disastrous outcome.”
Cllr Neil Clarke, Conservative Spokesman for Economic Development, said: “Oak House was built for the future – energy-efficient, accessible, and cost-effective. It was part of a clear long-term plan to make the Council fit for purpose and financially sustainable. Reform’s decision to stay at County Hall doesn’t just throw that plan off course, it also piles more pressure on the budget. Their claims to be the party of fiscal responsibility simply don’t add up.”
The Conservatives are calling for full transparency on how Reform intends to fund these unbudgeted costs and whether council tax rises or service reductions will now be needed to fill the gap.
Cllr Smith concluded: “The question now is: where will the money come from to pay for this? Will Reform close libraries? Cut youth services? Slash the highways budget? Or will they come after residents’ wallets with higher council tax bills?
They inherited a financially sound council on track to deliver more savings – and have turned it into one heading straight for cuts and higher bills. Nottinghamshire residents deserve better than empty promises and broken finances.”
Nottinghamshire County Council Reform UK leader Mick Barton said the council was taking a common-sense approach in light of LGR.
He said: “County Hall is an iconic building and been the home of this council since the 1950s. With its prominent location and good transport links, we know this building is highly likely to be needed as a HQ for one of the new authorities when the time comes. It makes no sense to move out and sell this building, as we prepare for one of the biggest shake-ups in local government for a generation.
“We are taking a practical approach by preparing for the future needs of these new authorities.
“In the meanwhile, we do need to make some urgent repairs and so that County Hall can remain a functional building.”