City introduces austerity measures to maximise delivery

City says no to official residence for Mayor, plush office furnishings and luxury travel. Read more below:

As part of the City of Cape Town's commitment to financial probity, a number of austerity measures have been introduced in the 2013/2014 draft budget, tabled before Council on 27 March 2013.

These cost-cutting initiatives include a reduction of R103 million in the general expenses category. This includes a reduction in spending on, amongst others: travel, office furnishings, excessive catering and public relations projects. The use of consultants has also been reduced.

The City has found further savings by reducing the number of vacancies by R46 million on its staff budget, thereby streamlining the organisation for delivery.

"Whilst many other government departments around the country - on both a national and local scale - reportedly spend significant amounts from the national purse on unnecessary items, the City of Cape Town will continue looking at ways to minimise spending. In these challenging economic times we, who have been mandated to spend public money, must do everything to be as prudent as we possibly can," said the Acting Executive Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson.

The aforementioned measures are not the only austerity actions that this administration has committed to.

The National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' Government Notice of December 2012 affords certain benefits to Councillors. The following are those benefits that WON'T be utilised by the City of Cape Town:

• An official residence complete with furnishings for the Executive Mayor
• The sole use of a Council vehicle for the Executive Deputy Mayor
• The sole use of a Council vehicle for the Speaker

"The City of Cape Town is committed to spending our financial resources to deliver to the residents of Cape Town. We will continue to focus on making good on our electoral promises and not on taking advantage of all provisions set aside for those who serve the public. We must, at all times, remember that the money received from the people of our city must go towards improving the lives of communities across our city," said Alderman Neilson.

Statement issued by Priya Reddy, Spokesperson for the Acting Executive Mayor of Cape Town - Alderman Ian Neilson, April 3 2013

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