People urged to have their say on county budget proposals

PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on Leicestershire County Council’s latest budget plans as part of a new consultation.

Residents, businesses, district and parish councils, as well as partner organisations can give their views by completing a short survey available at: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/haveyour

The council’s proposals set out plans for the next financial year but also looks forward to 2025/26.

Welcome extra funding, available to the council from Government due to Covid-19 pressures, is not enough to help cope with the level of service growth.

That, along with the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to additional costs in adults and children’s social care, means the authority is left in an extremely challenging financial position.

The council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) sets out the need to save £100 million by 2025/26 with more than £46 million of that sum yet to be identified.

The council is proposing a 3 per cent rise in its council tax precept from April 2022 including a one per cent rise to contribute to adult social care costs.

The council’s lead member for finance and resources councillor Lee Breckon said: “We have faced significant financial challenges for more than a decade now, dealing first with austerity and then the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Throughout this uncertain period we have managed taxpayers’ money prudently, making savings to see off potential financial crises, reduced our debt while protecting the frontline services we know really matter to the people of Leicestershire.

“But our situation remains hugely difficult and again we are in a position where we have to consider raising council tax to not only maintain those vital services – including adult and children’s social care to look after the most vulnerable among us - but also to tackle unprecedented rising demand for them.

The consultation runs until 16 January – find out more and have your say by visiting: https://www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/ current-engagement/budgetproposals

Obviously what we don’t want to do is increase the cost of living for hardpressed Leicestershire families but that is where we’re at

Coun Lee Breckton, left