Councillors approve a 2.99% council tax increase, rent increases, and £15.8m in cuts amidst funding debates.
Conservatives and Labour argued about government funding levels. Tories said they were short £2.5 million. Labour claimed funding increased by £20 million. That was since last year, though.
Council tax will rise by 2.99%. This is the maximum without a vote. A Band A property’s cost rises by £35.33 a year. The new total becomes £1,216.97. The social care levy increases by 2%.
Council tenants’ rents rise by 2.7%. This is roughly £2 each week. Around 75% of tenants won’t pay more, because they get housing benefit or Universal Credit. The government will cover their increase.
The budget proposes £15.8 million in cuts. They will save £3 million by reviewing care packages. Creating new children’s beds saves £2.29 million. This reduces out-of-county placement costs. The BEST program seeks modern ways to work.
Council Leader Sanderson said funding was disappointing. He insisted services would not be affected. Sanderson said the current funding can’t meet costs. Issues like children’s placements cost millions. Inflation adds even more expenses. Losing the rural services grant is concerning to him.
Sanderson added that council tax rose barely at inflation. Front-line services will stay protected. They have found £29 million for tax support. Free town center parking continues. The first hour stays free at country parks. He says the county has seen immense investment recently.
Green Party leader Nick Morphet opposed the budget. He blamed government actions for the situation. Morphet felt the budget planning was good. However, he strongly dislikes continued austerity. It leads to higher council tax and savings cuts. He fears disproportionate effects on women.
Labour deputy leader Liz Dunn also rejected it. She wants a budget that supports people. She said the budget raises rents and council tax. Cuts affect care, health, and regeneration. Dunn noted council tax keeps rising yearly. She does not understand the proposed savings.
Former Labour councillor Mary Murphy sees a broken system. National government must fix the funding model. The current approach fails residents’ needs. It does not address expensive adult social care. That should be a national government duty. Many councils are nearing bankruptcy. Some must raise taxes by 20%.
The council approved the budget. The vote was 36 to 17. Six people chose to abstain.