Full News Report
29th November 2024
‘Difficult choices’ in County Council budget plans
CORNWALL Council will be hosting what it calls a ‘Budget Stakeholder on-line event’ on Thursday, December 12, at which the Council Cabinet’s draft budget proposals for 2025-26 can be discussed.
The on-line session runs in parallel with the Council’s public consultation which continues until January 5 next year.
All information about the budget and the on-line survey is available here: https://cornwall.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8b22106188babc3bc72a50b07&id=004498e00e&e=3420d0621c.
Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council is Cllr David Harris. He said: “Increased demand and rising costs for statutory services, such as emergency accommodation provision, services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Adult Social Care are causing considerable financial pressures on local authorities across the UK.
“Cornwall Council is no exception. The increased costs far outstrip the increased funding announced in the Government’s Autumn Budget and the additional income we will receive through the introduction of the 100 per cent Council Tax Premium on Second Homes.
“Therefore, although the Council manages its finances prudently, there is still a shortfall to be addressed. This means difficult choices must be made in order to balance the books.”
Mr Harris, who represents the Gloweth, Malabar and Shortlanesend ward (Truro area) and is a Conservative and Independent Conservative Aligned member on the council, added: “Over the past five years we have already made £143-million of savings while trying to protect front-line services where possible by delivering our services in different and more effective ways.
“To ensure we keep a balanced budget, in this budget we have put forward new proposals for efficiencies, service reductions and income generation measures worth £47.8-m. This has involved looking at all our services to find ways to increase efficiencies and reduce spending.
“To help fund services, the draft budget proposes a rise in Council Tax of 4.99 per cent, including a two per cent Adult Social Care precept for 2025-26.
“This means an increase of £1.82 per week on a Band D property.
“For most Council services, the fees and charges that the Council is able to set will increase in line with inflation.”
Mr Harris said that it was more vital than ever to understand the views of businesses, partners and key stakeholders in Cornwall on the budget proposals
The on-line event will run from 6.30 pm until 8.00 pm, and a recording of the event will be made available after the meeting on: https://cornwall.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8b22106188babc3bc72a50b07&id=a85c2e1e89&e=3420d0621c .
If you would like to attend the event, please e-mail: haveyoursay@cornwall.gov.uk by 6.00 pm on Monday, December 9. Then you will be sent a link to the event and on-line joining instructions.