South Gloucestershire council tax will rise by 4.99% after councillors approved a budget deal due to rising costs.
The council approved spending plans for next year. They include parking fees at council car parks. Less money will go to toilets and fields.
The plans support young people and older adults. Veterans will also receive support. Social care demand is rising. Government funding is not keeping up. Budget cuts and higher fees are coming.
Councillor Tyrrell said costs are rising faster than income. It is hard balancing the budget. The council balanced the books for two years. Further funding shortfalls are expected.
Councillor Boulton said they balanced the budget. They will invest in domestic abuse support. An occupational therapist will help people. Grimsbury Farm will stay open.
People worry about new parking charges. Shops in Thornbury may suffer. A Patchway community centre could close. It offers services to local people.
Jenny Vernon said 300 people use the centre weekly. Volunteers run the centre. Parking fees make volunteering difficult. Charities renting space cannot afford it . One charity already gave notice. The centre may close soon.
The Tories want more money for potholes. They want acoustic cameras for noisy cars. They wish to support a farm in Kingswood. They want less spent on council staff.
Councillor Bromiley wanted pothole repairs. His plan would have added £2 million. The council rejected his plan. They refused to fix potholes and roads.
He said the council might close Grimsbury Farm. Animals could move out this year. They rejected cameras for noisy drivers. They did not support farmers.
The Lib Dems and Labour disagree. They say Grimsbury Farm will not close. Acoustic cameras may not work. Staff explain council work to the public. The government gave £2 million for potholes.
The debate lasted over ninety minutes. It included insults and blame. Backbench councillors criticized the budget. They said residents get little benefit.
Councillor Drew called it a terrible budget. They inherited a bad financial situation. He said reform is needed. Most money serves few residents. Most people get little from council tax.