Opportunity for public questions on Cornwall's budget... including rise in council tax
The draft plan will go before the full council on Tuesday 22nd February
Last updated 16th Feb 2022
A draft budget that includes an almost 3% rise in council tax will dominate the agenda when Cornwall Council meets at County Hall in Truro next week.
The meeting, which will start at 10.30am on Tuesday 22nd February, will see the draft budget approved by Cabinet last week put to the full council.
That plan would see Cornwall Council’s share of Council Tax charge rise by 1.99%, plus an additional 1% for the Government’s adult social care precept.
This total 2.99% rise is the equivalent of a 96p per week increase for an average band D property.
The proposals also include £1.3 billion of capital investment, including support for economic growth projects that create homes and jobs for local people and reflect the priorities of residents.
The leader of the council insists it will help meet the authority's priorities, including making Cornwall a "brilliant place to grow up".
Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: "Despite the tough financial position all local authorities are facing, I am pleased we are bringing a budget to full council that is aligned with the issues our residents told us matter to them during May’s elections.
"This budget will help us meet those priorities; to make Cornwall a brilliant place to grow up and be a child, with vibrant safe and supportive communities, creating a thriving sustainable Cornwall supported by an empowering and enterprising council".
Amendments to the draft budget can submitted by councillors if, following guidance from the authority's finance officer, they are deemed financially sustainable. If so, they will then be considered by full council.
Also on the agenda at next week’s meeting will be the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry future financing plans, the Safer Cornwall Partnership plan 2022-25, and the Pay Policy Statement for the council for 2022-23.
There is also an opportunity for public questions to be asked, and for councillors to quiz members of the cabinet committee over their portfolios.
You can watch the meeting live via Cornwall Council's webcast service.