Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet announced yesterday (1 February 2012) a "budget for jobs and prosperity" that would protect vital services while saving money for council taxpayers. 

The Cabinet's recommended budget for 2012-13 confirms a council tax freeze for the third year running and more investment in the local economy, the county's highways network and radical change in the delivery of social care services for older people. 

The county council spends £1.3 billion per year on services from education to road maintenance, and social care to libraries.  

Over the last five years it has saved £100 million through smarter working, innovation and new technology, or delivering services differently and in partnership with other organisations. 

The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) - agreed by councillors today - identifies further savings of £97 million by 2017. 

Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Finance and Transformation Ian Parry said that the MTFS reflected the priorities residents had highlighted. He outlined some of the key initiatives for the coming year, including:

·   Continuing to improve the local economy by attracting investment from business. This follows major investment decisions by the county council at i54 South Staffordshire as part of the Jaguar Land Rover bid, Keele University Science · Park and Newcastle town centre.

Launching a new fully integrated social care and community health service with the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust.

·  Investing £20 million in highways maintenance on top of £30 million committed already  by the council to keep Staffordshire moving

·  Reviewing contracts with organisations which help to provide children's and adults' services to ensure the county council is getting the best value for money from the most appropriate organisation. 

Councillor Parry said today: "This is a budget for prosperity and jobs which is good for Staffordshire. It is not about reducing services it is about providing them in a more intelligent, tailored and cost effective way. 

"We are concentrating first and foremost on improving the local economy and reaping the benefits that this brings for individuals and communities. For example, in recognising the role that the road network has in a successful economy, we have announced a £20 million investment in Staffordshire's highways.  

"We are also helping older people to live more independent and fulfilling lives at the same time as planning to offer them better, faster and more cost effective care through the largest integration of health and social care services this country has ever seen.  

"These are issues that residents have told us are important to them and we have listened." 

The county council Cabinet's recommendations for the 2012-13 budget will be ratified by councillors at a full meeting of the Council on February 9 2012.

For more information about Staffordshire County Council, please visit their website here: www.staffordshire.gov.uk