A council leader has slammed the legacy of the previous Conservative administration after reports showed the authority is in dire financial straits.

Speaking at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s cabinet meeting, Councillor Simon Werner warned that “unpopular” measures may need to be taken to address the authority’s financial woes.

Cabinet members considered two reports about the current and future positions of the council’s budget and finances.

They showed a forecast overspend of nearly £5m against the current year’s budget – and that savings of £10m may be required from 2024 to 2029.

Cllr Werner, who assumed the role of council leader following the Liberal Democrats’ victory in May’s council election, said: “It’s a pretty shocking position for the council to be in, isn’t it? Effectively when we took over from the previous administration, there was a £4.9m predicted overspend as of May.

“What an appalling legacy to inherit from them – along with many other appalling legacies. Let’s face it, residents have voted for us to clear up the many messes, and this, perhaps, is the most important mess we’ve got to clear up.”

It was noted in the reports that the Royal Borough’s council tax rates – which are among the country’s lowest – have left the council with a lower level of income to fund services.

Rising interest rates and high inflation were also cited among the challenges facing the council’s finances, as well as the growing demand for adult social care due to the borough’s ageing population.

Council chief executive Stephen Evans said: “These reports show the harsh reality of the financial challenge facing the council. Together, the reports show that the council’s financial position remains precarious.

“It’s essential that affirmative action is taken to put the council’s finances on a sustainable footing.”

The council leader added: “Over the next few months, and over the next year, we’re going to have some exciting announcements to make.

“But there isn’t a magic money tree and we’re going to have to make some serious cuts in places which will be unpopular – but we do need to get the finances back under control.”

However, the leader of the Royal Borough Council’s Conservative group Councillor Maureen Hunt defended the previous administration’s record, citing budget underspends in previous years.

She said: “As we all know, the increase in interest rates and the increase in inflation have now risen dramatically and not only impacted the council’s finance but impacted our residents, some of whom are just about managing.

“This was unforeseen as at the time the council’s budget was set by one of the organisations who advise councils, it was stated that inflation would rise and fall back quite quickly.”

She added: “The previous Conservative administration believed that, especially in difficult times, it had a duty to ensure their taxpayers keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible.

“Let’s hope this administration carries through with this legacy.”

Plans for future budgetary priorities are set to be drawn up over the coming months and are due to be presented to the full council next February.