Consultation on Budget Priorities

We are faced with conflicting challenges over the coming years – an ongoing reduction in available resources set against increasing demand for our services as well as increasing costs. Overall we need to save £55m between 2011/12 and 2013/14. As well as delivering these savings, we want to invest in delivering in those services that are a particular priority for residents.

We have already taken significant steps to live within the reducing level of resources available, but further changes are required to meet the current funding gap.

We consider it vital to engage and consult with you before, during and after decisions of this nature are made. The consultation (which closed 13th November 2011) gave residents an opportunity to have their say on budget priorities, council tax and different ways of delivering services. Results from the consultation are available below.

On the 12th December 2011 Cabinet agreed budget proposals that deliver a balanced budget, protect front line services and maintain support to the voluntary sector. The proposed budget also makes additional investments in the areas that really matter to our residents such as our roads and pavements, as well as cracking down on poor work by utility companies.

Between the 12th December 2011 and the 20th January 2012 there was an opportunity to view and comment on the budget proposals. These comments have been processed and will be used to help us make the right choices.  An executive summary of the comments received will be published here in due course.

Cabinet on the 6th February 2012 will agree a draft budget, with the final decision being taken at County Council on the 16th February 2012. The final budget will be published as part of the County Council meeting minutes.