Worrying Signs in Brent Council's Budget

I have only had time for a cursory glance at the Brent Council budget documentation, which once again strikes me as fairly thin content.

One of the worrying suggestions is the use of reserves to prepare for universal credit.  In the past I criticised the Liberal Democrats for using reserves too readily at a time of uncertainty, and the same logic applies now.  Indeed, under Labour, the Council has built its reserves because it recognises the greater danger of "transformation" projects going wrong.  To start chipping away at the reserves in this way is a sign not just of a local authority in trouble but also a possible sign that it is a local authority trying not to recognise it is in trouble.

I am also concerned that a lot of the commentary seems quite vague, such as the suggestion the Council pursue more "shared services".  Of course all Councils are doing this, but getting such agreements is fraught with difficulties.  Again "managing demographic demand" is something everyone wants, but is very hard in practice.  There is a real danger of setting unrealistic targets and then failing to meet them, leading to further in year cuts and a loss of strategic direction.