Have your say on county council budget proposal

THERE’S still time to have your say on Leicestershire County Council’s latest budget proposals, residents and businesses are being reminded.

People have until January 20 to find out more about the four-year plan and send in their views at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/budget

The proposals include £74m savings, which the council says is required because rising demand for social care and special educational needs and disability (SEND) support services, combined with inflation, is set to push up costs by £94m.

The savings are made up of £34m of detailed savings, a plan to reduce SEND costs by £20m and a £20m gap.

They also feature a council tax rise of 3.99 per cent - generating £12m next year, to be invested in supporting vulnerable people.

Deputy council leader, Byron Rhodes, said: “Taking tough decisions and saving £200m since 2010 means we’re in a relatively strong position, especially compared to other councils, but this can’t go on forever.

“Our four-year proposals show that pressure is building on both our revenue budget - used for running costs - and our capital budget - one-off spend to buy or build things and invest in infrastructure.

“The plan sets out that with savings, we can balance our books for the next two years but then shortfalls arise.

“And the question mark over future government funding could exacerbate this gap.

“Now we want to hear your views. The consultation closes on 20 January and I’d encourage you to have your say.”