Cornwall Council narrowly approved a budget with almost £50 million in cuts and a 4.99% council tax rise, sparking strong opposition.
Cornwall Council narrowly approved a budget with almost £50 million in cuts and a 4.99% council tax rise, sparking strong opposition.
Cornwall Budget Approved Despite Concerns Over Impact on Residents
Some thought it balanced the books well, while others opposed the cuts and big project spending. They dislike spending on Langarth and Pydar. The vote followed a two-hour discussion.
The approved budget is £840 million and it needs £441.379 million from council tax. The 4.99 percent rise does not include police increases, nor does it include town or parish council increases. The council owes £1.3 billion and they cut £48.7 million to avoid worse problems.
David Harris said Cornwall needs fairer funding. The government should help with social care, as well as support for children and the homeless. He said this budget was very difficult. More councils need government help to balance budgets. Cornwall is not one of them thanks to good management, but he believes Cornwall’s situation makes it complicated.
Julian German criticized the approved budget. He said it causes reductions in services, including street cleaning and bin emptying, and impacts help for damp homes. The budget will also add parking charges and funding for the youth council will be cut; lollipop ladies will be removed if the budget is approved.
He said consultant spending has tripled and there’s money for the leader’s parking sign. Borrowing is up £300 million. German said Harris used to worry about borrowing, but now, he supports a £1.9 billion plan. Borrowing per resident increased by £500 since 2021.
Leigh Frost listed services facing cuts. He mentioned climate action, fire service, and street cleaning. Home maintenance and family support are also affected. Frost said mismanagement caused these cuts, projects are spiraling and a mayoral deal is unwanted, and the airport mess continues as well.
Dick Cole expressed sadness, stating that the budget includes tax hikes, cuts, and job losses. He stated that they are in a bad place. It has been the same problems for 15 years. Laurie Magowan said Labour opposes the budget because they invest in projects instead of services and they also value hardworking employees less.
Anne Double voted for the budget, stating it was not good but necessary. Double criticized the local MPs’ silence. Tamsyn Widdon wanted to reject the budget because this could force the government to help Cornwall.
Adam Paynter thanked officers for their work. He said less cuts were possible if the council didn’t pursue the mayor plan failures and the Newquay airport deal also caused problems. He added that these cuts will hurt families. Harris clarified the airport deal is still being discussed.
Several councillors criticized capital spending. Steve Arthur said “chickens are coming home to roost”. He pointed out Pydar, Langarth, and Launceston land. He also mentioned the derelict General Wolfe pub purchase. Basic services like potholes and kids need focus, councilors said.
Paul Grant warned against rejecting the budget. A new budget is needed within 13 days. There were no alternatives available at the time. The government could impose a worse budget. Councillors voted 39 for the budget, 35 against. There were three abstentions.
Some thought it balanced the books well, while others opposed the cuts and big project spending. They dislike spending on Langarth and Pydar. The vote followed a two-hour discussion.
The approved budget is £840 million and it needs £441.379 million from council tax. The 4.99 percent rise does not include police increases, nor does it include town or parish council increases. The council owes £1.3 billion and they cut £48.7 million to avoid worse problems.
David Harris said Cornwall needs fairer funding. The government should help with social care, as well as support for children and the homeless. He said this budget was very difficult. More councils need government help to balance budgets. Cornwall is not one of them thanks to good management, but he believes Cornwall’s situation makes it complicated.
Julian German criticized the approved budget. He said it causes reductions in services, including street cleaning and bin emptying, and impacts help for damp homes. The budget will also add parking charges and funding for the youth council will be cut; lollipop ladies will be removed if the budget is approved.
He said consultant spending has tripled and there’s money for the leader’s parking sign. Borrowing is up £300 million. German said Harris used to worry about borrowing, but now, he supports a £1.9 billion plan. Borrowing per resident increased by £500 since 2021.
Leigh Frost listed services facing cuts. He mentioned climate action, fire service, and street cleaning. Home maintenance and family support are also affected. Frost said mismanagement caused these cuts, projects are spiraling and a mayoral deal is unwanted, and the airport mess continues as well.
Dick Cole expressed sadness, stating that the budget includes tax hikes, cuts, and job losses. He stated that they are in a bad place. It has been the same problems for 15 years. Laurie Magowan said Labour opposes the budget because they invest in projects instead of services and they also value hardworking employees less.
Anne Double voted for the budget, stating it was not good but necessary. Double criticized the local MPs’ silence. Tamsyn Widdon wanted to reject the budget because this could force the government to help Cornwall.
Adam Paynter thanked officers for their work. He said less cuts were possible if the council didn’t pursue the mayor plan failures and the Newquay airport deal also caused problems. He added that these cuts will hurt families. Harris clarified the airport deal is still being discussed.
Several councillors criticized capital spending. Steve Arthur said “chickens are coming home to roost”. He pointed out Pydar, Langarth, and Launceston land. He also mentioned the derelict General Wolfe pub purchase. Basic services like potholes and kids need focus, councilors said.
Paul Grant warned against rejecting the budget. A new budget is needed within 13 days. There were no alternatives available at the time. The government could impose a worse budget. Councillors voted 39 for the budget, 35 against. There were three abstentions.