Budget 2023: Mayor Dave protects services and keeps Council Tax down yet again

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced his 2023/24 Budget which will be recommended to Full Council next week. The key headlines are:

• Core Council Tax will rise by 0.9% as well as a 2% rise for the government's Adult Social Care precept. In total 2.9% - well below inflation and below the maximum allowed by government.
• Key services that residents rely on will be protected yet again, despite severe Conservative government cuts.
• Council charges to residents, such as car park charges, will be frozen to help residents with the cost of living crisis.
• A range of initiatives that will help the Council reach its carbon neutral target by 2030.
• Huge capital investments in the Borough's future including 2 new schools and 40 new classrooms, roads and pavement spending, play area refurbishment and town centre renewal.

The latest Budget builds on the Council's record of one of the lowest percentage Council Tax rises of all unitary councils and ensures no libraries or Children's Centres have been closed since Mayor Dave was elected.

Mayor Dave said "This year's Budget ensures we are putting the needs of our residents first yet again. To help with the cost of living crisis, we are continuing to support residents by keeping Council Tax down, freezing charges and protecting quality services so that our most vulnerable can get support when they need it most.

"We are committed to a carbon neutral Council by 2030. We are investing in a range of carbon cutting initiatives such as funding for the supported bus network, pedestrian and cycling improvements, new energy generation and installation of more solar panels.

"As well as this we are always looking to invest in the future of our Borough. This Budget sets aside funding for two new primary schools and around 40 new classrooms. We are also investing more into our £42 million road and pavement renewal programme and increasing our play area upgrade scheme. The town centre will also receive £23 million from the Town Deal and other high street funding to continue improving the area for residents and businesses."

Finance Portfolio Holder Councillor Michael Headley said "We have produced this Budget in the face of severe financial challenges caused by years of cuts by the Conservative government and £17 million of inflationary pressure. Through good financial management we have been able to make substantial savings in order to balance our budget and protect services.

"We have set this Budget whilst continuing to tackle the £90 million of debt that was left for us when the Conservatives ran the County Council. This year we have made even more progress with debt forecast to fall to £60 million. Maintaining a manageable level of debt means we can spend less on debt repayments and more on helping residents, repairing roads and tackling climate change."