The new Reform Nottinghamshire County Council leader says residents ‘do not need to worry ‘about service cuts as the fledgling administration prepares a full financial review.
Reform UK took control of the authority following the May 1 election and, following a Mansfield North by-election on June 12, now has 41 seats out of a total of 66.
The previous Conservative administration had boasted a “proud track record” of its services during its time, including £72 million invested into the county’s roads for 2025/26 by March 2025.
It also prided itself on no library closures and its sustained youth service.
New Reform council leader, Cllr Mick Barton, has said residents “have got nothing to worry about” regarding service cuts as the new authority plans its financial review starting next week.
A cabinet meeting today Monday 23 June will update the authority on these plans.
Cllr Barton said: “It’ll look at contracts, the whole caboodle.
“We’re going to look at every single department, how the finances have worked, how they’re bought in, what we spend, agency staff, and see if we can better value for money for the people who have elected us.
“We’re not looking at making any cuts. When people say ‘oh you’re badging it up differently,’ looking at efficiencies, that means cuts – no, it doesn’t.
“The residents have nothing to worry about. I am very, very confident that we will come out with some good outcomes with this financial review.”
The leader maintained a lot of “expertise” in his group, including lawyers, doctors and business people.
He also clarified that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which looks at reducing government spending – will be helping the council and its staff to identify savings.
Cllr Barton said he expects all Reform’s policies for the council to be “on the table” by the July 10 Full Council meeting.
Cllr Bert Bingham (Ref), cabinet member for transport and the environment, said there is a £400 million backlog in investment for the county’s roads.
He said: “We’re looking to emphasise long-term repairs at the cost of short-term reactivity, because we know some of the work is not going to last too long.
“[And] try and get the best efficiency for the money that we’re spending and that will all be part of the review.”
But the Conservative opposition group, led by former council leader Cllr Sam Smith, raised concerns about the DOGE efficiency plans.
Cllr Smith said: “Under Conservative control, Nottinghamshire County Council’s libraries were all protected and enhanced, new schools were built and existing ones extended, recycling centres enhanced, good quality social care was provided, youth centres were maintained, SEND services improved and £72m was invested into road and pavement rapids.
“Conservative councillors delivered that proud track record of investing in and improving local services across Nottinghamshire while never increasing council tax by the maximum and keeping it low – saving residents £22million over four years.
“We transformed services, such as adults and children’s social care, using enhancements in technology which improved care and saved money at the same time.
“Reform call this ‘DOGE’ but we call it transformation and we were already doing it without cutting services and without increasing council tax by the maximum.”
He added residents are “worrying” about the future of recycling centres and libraries under the Reform administration.
He added: “Nottinghamshire can’t afford to go backwards — and residents won’t be fooled by slogans when what’s really at stake are the services they rely on every day.
“Residents and services must not suffer as a result of Reform’s ‘efficiency’ cuts. Conservative Councillors will do all we can to continue to protect local services from Reform’s cuts.”
A separate highways review is due to be announced in next Monday’s cabinet meeting.
Both the financial review and the highways review are expected to conclude by the autumn.
