Star comment: Keeping a close eye on budget

Council bosses need to find an extra £23.2 million to fund renovations to the railway station and the Metro extension, while the Civic Halls refurbishment has been delayed by more than six months.

Now it has emerged that the bill for moving the city’s markets will be nearly double the figure originally quoted.

According to council chiefs, this is down to a redesign of elements of the new site following discussions with traders.

It just goes to highlight the problems faced by all of our local authorities when it comes to delivering on major schemes. In times of great financial constraint for local councils, it is vitally important that a close eye is kept on the purse strings.

How every penny is spent must be closely scrutinised to ensure that taxpayers are getting the very best value for money.

Wolverhampton council has undergone something of an upturn in fortunes in recent times, culminating in the authority being named Council of the Year a few months ago.

Like all councils across the Black Country and Staffordshire, it has been embroiled in a seven-year battle to balance the books in the face of continued Government cuts to its budget.

We appreciate that bringing about such major changes during times of financial hardship is no easy task.

There is little doubt that the makeover that the city is currently undergoing will reap benefits in the long run – although the decision to move the markets is considered a controversial one in the eyes of many.

The railway station has been desperate for a revamp for years, while the new market site should benefit from its location near to the Wulfrun Centre and the transport interchange.

The new Metro extension will further open up the city by providing improved transport options.

The face of the city is changing rapidly – and not before time.

Without investment Wolverhampton was in serious danger of being left behind.

However, people have a right to expect developments to be completed on schedule and at a reasonable cost.

When this does not happen, serious questions must be asked.