Members of Norfolk's County Hall back annual budget of £528 million
The approved plan means that council tax will rise by close to 5% and over £40 million will be made in savings
Members of Norfolk's County Hall have backed the annual budget proposed by local decision making, that's worth £528 million
The approved plan by Councillors means that council tax will rise by close to 5% and over £40 million will be made in savings- while £122 million will be put towards tackling cost pressures
What was agreed upon?
-A proposed 4.99 per cent increase in the county council’s share of Council Tax, (in line with the Government’s capping level- 2.99 per cent for general Council Tax and 2 per cent for adult social care. This would increase the council’s share of band D bills to £1,672.11. A 4.99 per cent rise would generate £24.9 million.
-£41.5 million to made in new savings, (including £9.6 million from transforming how the council operates).
-An extra £60 million is going towards adult social services and £35 million in additional funding is being put towards children’s services,
-£122 million of investment to meet demand and cost pressures next year – (including £34.6 million for inflation, £38 million for legislative requirements, £39.7 million for demand and demographic issues and £9.6 million for policy decisions).
"Our priorities are stable and sustainable finances"
Deputy council leader Councillor Andrew Jamieson, told today’s full council meeting that the budget would deliver for Norfolk, despite major cost and demand pressures facing all councils.
"Our priorities are stable and sustainable finances, well delivered public services, economic growth and protecting and enhancing Norfolk’s heritage and environment.”
He also pledged to continue to lobby the next Government for multi-year settlements, fair funding and reform of adult social care funding.
"This year’s budget has been one of the toughest to determine"
County council leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, said the council would continue to be ambitious for Norfolk and had achieved many successes – against a tough economic backdrop.
She said: “We know that our residents will be concerned about the decisions we make and how that may affect them.
"This year’s budget has been one of the toughest to determine but we have a statutory duty to provide a balanced position, and that is what we are presenting to you.”