County council ‘still putting more money into many frontline services’

On Friday, cabinet members supported the 2021/22 revenue budget, five-year capital programme and reset plan.

A total of £18.5m savings are proposed in the upcoming financial year as well as a total council tax increase of 4.99 per cent, split between 1.99 for general spending and three for adult social care.

This would mean a Band D property would pay an extra £71.82 from April when compared with the previous year.

Meanwhile the reset plan sets out the key priority outcomes for the council over the next four years and guides how budgets are allocated and performance is measured.

The key priority outcomes are: keeping people safe from vulnerable situations, a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people and communities to fulfil their potential, making the best use of resources and climate change being central to all priorities.

Both the reset plan and budget will go to full council on Friday, February 12, for final approval.

Jeremy Hunt, cabinet member for finance, said: “This year’s budget setting process has been one of the most challenging in recent memory. Demand for our services is increasing, whilst the money we have available to fund these services is decreasing. And at the same time, we’re also faced with uncertainty around future funding allocations.

“Despite saving £258m since 2010 we have still had to plan further savings of £18.5m, and – unfortunately – an increase in council tax in order to balance our budget for next year. However, we are still faced with a budget gap of over £50m in the following three years, so we have many challenges ahead.

“However, despite these savings we are once again proposing to put more money into many of our frontline services. Services that are there to support all our residents, but especially those in our community who, for whatever reason, need a helping hand.”

Leader Paul Marshall added: “The last year has seen unprecedented changes due to the global pandemic, which the county council has had to adapt to and prioritise because of. At the same time, we’ve faced huge challenges in terms of resources and demands on our services.

“We’ve also been working hard to make improvements in our children’s and fire and rescue services.”

For more information visit the county council’s dedicated budget page.