Radical changes are needed to make sure Gravesham can balance the books and deliver top quality services to those living and working in the borough, according to the council’s leader.

Gravesham council meets in full session on Tuesday amid a dire warning that there has never been a greater threat to local government services.

That is the message from council leader John Cubitt (Con) in the borough’s new five-year corporate plan (2015-19), now up for endorsement by councillors.

Despite the concerns, Cllr Cubitt tempered his warning by adding: “At the same time there has never been a greater opportunity for change and innovation.”

He added: “The council is going to have to radically consider the way it manages its services and its sources of funding.

“In the face of the challenges presented by the government’s continued austerity programme, I am therefore committed to transforming the council to ultimately become financially self-sufficient, enabling us to have far more options in how we deliver high quality front-line services and make the economic and social impact our community deserves.”

The plan, in setting out the council’s strategic direction, is couched mainly in aspirations. It heralds four objectives: “A safer Gravesham,” a “stronger Gravesham,” a “sustainable Gravesham” and a “sound and self-sufficient council.”

But it does not give specific examples of how this will be achieved and what will be the impact on any particular service.

It does, however, foreshadow taking a more commercial approach to achieve its goals.

“Only a significant change in what services we deliver and how we deliver them, will enable the council to meet the challenge ahead,” says the plan’s overview.”

Promising “no stone would be left unturned,” the plan states it key objectives were shaped by a 12-week consultation programme engaging residents, businesses and key stakeholders in the borough.

Asked what specific areas would be included in the new approach, Cllr Cubitt told the Messenger this week: “We’ll be taking a very close look at our housing budget, in excess of £8m, such as repairs and maintenance.

“I’ll be looking to cut back on what’s outsourced and do things at a lower cost in-house.

“We’ll also going to take specialist advice on how we can maximise income from our property and land assets.”