Budget for 2024/25 to be considered by Cornwall Council
It'll mean a council tax increase of 4.99%
Last updated 20th Feb 2024
A budget for 2024/25 is being put before Cornwall Council today (Tuesday 20 February).
The cabinet has already endorsed the draft budget, which includes extra funding of more than £20 million for Emergency Housing Accommodation, Home to School Transport and Children’s Social Care.
The proposals for day-to-day spending in 2024/25, known as the 'revenue budget', will see a net increase of around £37m in spending on care for Adults and Children in Cornwall.
In addition, there is a near £9m net increase built in in respect of Home to School Transport and £7m to support Temporary and Emergency Accommodation.
The budget will mean a council tax increase of 4.99% for residents, which includes a 2% levy to fund adult social care, bringing the bill for a Band D property to £1,892.75. It also confirms plans to bring in a 100% Council Tax premium on second homes from April 2025.
It will now need to be verified by the Full Council, with councillors able to submit their own alternative budgets for debate.
Cllr David Harris, deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources, said: "We are determined to invest in Cornwall’s future, and this budget clearly demonstrates that intent.
"The significant increase in the proposed revenue and capital budgets represents a huge investment to deliver the Council’s mission of working together for a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well.
"However, as I’ve said before, we require a fundamental shift in how local government is financed, including a fairer funding formula, it is only a matter of time before we face the edge of the same financial abyss that other councils are faced with currently.
"We will continue to pressure Westminster to see these desperately needed changes introduced."
Also on the agenda for the meeting are proposals for the funding of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, recommended changes to the numbers of councillors on committees, and the pay policy statement for 2024/25.
Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: "I am proud of the budget we are putting before the council, and grateful to Cllr Harris and the officers who have worked so hard to get us to this point.
"Despite the pressures we face financially, we are still determined to invest to improve our resident's lives."
The meeting of the Full Council will take place at County Hall (Lys Kernow) in Truro, starting at 10.30am.