Budget engagement

When: November 2023 - January 2024

Number of responses: 237

Thank you everyone who took part in our annual budget consultation it by filling in the online survey or coming along to an event.

In total, 237 online surveys were completed and over 500 people heard about the proposals from face-to-face meetings and focus groups.

The survey asked whether the Authority’s focus on the areas where it had identified changes could be made, to help achieve a balanced budget, was reasonable. Sixty-seven per cent of respondents agreed that it was. Respondents were also asked whether the proposal to raise Council Tax by 4.99% was reasonable and 58 per cent agreed that it was.

At the in-person sessions, people were generally supportive of the budget proposals but had some concerns about rising living costs in the context of a rise in Council Tax. There was a real emphasis on the need to support people and organisations through change.

The proposed budget with a summary of the results of the consultation was presented to Cabinet on 29 January 2024 and Cabinet approved the proposals in the budget. Details can be found in the Minutes

The next stage was to take the proposed budget report to Full Council and this was done on 15 February 2024.

The proposed budget was approved by Full Council, no alternative budget put forward by either the Conservative Party or any Independents. The Minutes have the detail of the Council Tax rise, including the additions for police and fire services.

The budget will now be monitored by the Overview & Scrutiny Co-ordination & Finance Committee.

If you would like to attend meetings of the Cabinet, Council and its committees, you can find all the information by clicking this link.

When: November 2023 - January 2024

Number of responses: 237

Thank you everyone who took part in our annual budget consultation it by filling in the online survey or coming along to an event.

In total, 237 online surveys were completed and over 500 people heard about the proposals from face-to-face meetings and focus groups.

The survey asked whether the Authority’s focus on the areas where it had identified changes could be made, to help achieve a balanced budget, was reasonable. Sixty-seven per cent of respondents agreed that it was. Respondents were also asked whether the proposal to raise Council Tax by 4.99% was reasonable and 58 per cent agreed that it was.

At the in-person sessions, people were generally supportive of the budget proposals but had some concerns about rising living costs in the context of a rise in Council Tax. There was a real emphasis on the need to support people and organisations through change.

The proposed budget with a summary of the results of the consultation was presented to Cabinet on 29 January 2024 and Cabinet approved the proposals in the budget. Details can be found in the Minutes

The next stage was to take the proposed budget report to Full Council and this was done on 15 February 2024.

The proposed budget was approved by Full Council, no alternative budget put forward by either the Conservative Party or any Independents. The Minutes have the detail of the Council Tax rise, including the additions for police and fire services.

The budget will now be monitored by the Overview & Scrutiny Co-ordination & Finance Committee.

If you would like to attend meetings of the Cabinet, Council and its committees, you can find all the information by clicking this link.