Have your say on spending plans for council in tough economic times
RESIDENTS and businesses in the Cotswolds are being urged to give their views on the district council’s spending plans as it prepares its budget for the next financial year.
The focus of the budget will be on continuing to deliver services as running costs increase as a result of Putin’s war in Ukraine and the national economic situation.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This year has seen large rises in costs for both residents and businesses as a result of Putin’s war in Ukraine and the national economic turmoil we are facing.
“We appreciate the impact this is having on you. It has also had a big impact on the Council’s finances.
“The impact of increased costs means we have to work even harder to deliver our services efficiently.
“We will also ask the Government to provide the funding councils need to support their local communities.
“We are an ambitious council that wants to invest in our District, but expect that these difficult times will mean we have to slow down the delivery of our ambitions to make sure we manage the Council’s finances very carefully.”
The Council is keen to gather residents’ views on key areas in the proposed council budget including council tax levels and charges in Cotswold District car parks to help fund local services and to hear your suggestions about how it could raise additional revenue or lower its costs.
As part of the consultation, the Council will hold a series of engagement events at supermarkets across the district so residents can speak with Council members and officers and ask any questions they may have about the Council or its finances.
The budget consultation survey will be live on the Cotswold District Council website at cotswold.gov.uk/ budget until Friday, December 9.