MORE than £2million is set to be reinvested into supporting residents, businesses and council services in South Gloucestershire thanks to an underspend from last year's budget.

Despite the Covid pandemic, South Gloucestershire Council had been able to underspend £2.32million remains from its 2021/22 budget.

The council has proposed that £335,000 would be reinvested in the delivery of community priorities, with the remaining £1.985million being allocated to cushion services from the cost-of-living pressures and avoid frontline cuts.

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are delighted that the council, under the prudent financial management of local conservatives, continues to efficiently use the resources we have at our disposal to provide, protect and reinvest in services on behalf of our residents.

“Offering value for money is one of the council’s core priorities. Just because a budget exists for something, doesn’t mean it must be spent in full.

"It is important that we are effective across all service areas to ensure council taxes are being invested in the right way and I am proud we have been able to manage the financial impact of Covid, whilst providing vital new support for those in our communities most impacted by the pandemic.

“It is an uncertain time for local authorities across the country, with large deficits predicted over the coming year due to the impact of Covid-19, but this administration’s ability to deliver quality services whilst continuing to press for innovation and efficiency means we are in a better place than most to weather the storm.”