Buckinghamshire Council due to approve final budget including a rise in council tax
Over £2m from council reserves is planned to be used to help balance the books.
The cabinet are due to approve an increase in basic council tax and adult social care for the financial year ahead.
Other changes have also been suggested ahead of the meeting today to help deal with the continuing effects of COVID-19 and the loss of income across the councils service area.
While the level of council tax will stay the same as originally proposed at 1.99%, a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care is also recommended, meaning a 3.99% rise in total starting in April.
The final proposals also include addressing the pressures on Children's Services and another £4m investment into drainage to help with structural repairs and to help the system deal with the increase in recent rainfall.
Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Martin Tett said that the continuing Covid pandemic made this budget setting difficult and challenging.
"This is a set of proposals focussed almost entirely on getting us through the next year and hopefully then to more predictable times," he said.
"Despite the massive financial strain to keep vital services going, supporting local residents and businesses and battling against the effects of the ongoing pandemic, we've been very conscious to keep the increase in council tax as affordable as possible for local residents.
"In addition to basic council tax, the Government also proposes councils take up to 3% extra for the Adult Social Care Precept - this is the money needed to continue to look after our elderly and vulnerable adults. However despite the pressures in that area, Cabinet felt the time wasn't right and that a lower 2% precept rise was the best course of action. I am always aware that this is Council Taxpayers' money and we need to never take more than is absolutely necessary."
In total, just over £2m from council reserves is planned to be used to help balance the books and deliver a legal and tested budget.
It's also hoped the Cabinet will approve up to £100m worth of longer term schemes to the current capital programme, funded through prudential borrowing and with each proposal subject to a robust business case.