Suffolk County Council confirms new £800 million budget
It's a 6.7% increase from £752.9 million in 2024/25
Suffolk County Council's confirmed its budget for the new financial year.
Local leaders are calling it an £803.7 million plan that's 'focused on protecting essential services and supporting the county’s most vulnerable residents'.
It's a 6.7% increase from £752.9 million in 2024/25.
It was approved at a meeting of all councillors yesterday (Thursday 13 February), with local leaders promising there'll be an emphasis on meeting rising demand for children’s and adult care services.
For every £1 the council spends in the next financial year, 77 pence will go directly toward services that support the health and wellbeing of people in Suffolk.
The remaining 23 pence will fund other key areas such as fire and rescue, highway maintenance, climate initiatives, waste management and bus services.
It will also go towards infrastructure, staff, and technology required to keep services running efficiently.
"We must stay focused on our responsibility to the people of Suffolk"
Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, economic development and skills, said: “This is another budget set in challenging times.
"Economic growth remains sluggish, public finances are under pressure from rising demand and global uncertainty continues to create financial instability.
“But it is precisely in times like these that we must stay focused on our responsibility to the people of Suffolk.
"We are committed to delivering high-quality public services that make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. We will continue to prioritise those who need our support the most, including vulnerable children and adults who require assistance to live independently.”
Despite a slight uplift in Government funding for local authorities, the council says rising costs and growing demand have required it set significant savings targets to balance the books.
As a result, it's approved £10.9 million in new savings, which will focus on restructuring and transforming how services are delivered.
This follows £17.5 million in savings approved in the previous year, bringing total savings for the 2025/26 financial year to £28.4 million.
Suffolk County Council’s share of Council Tax will also rise by 4.99% next year.
This includes a 2.99% general increase and a further 2% dedicated wholly to helping meet the rising costs of social care.
This means households will see the following changes in their weekly Council Tax payments:
• Band B property: £24.67 per week, a £1.17 increase from 2024-25
(Band B properties are the most common in Suffolk)
• Band D property: £31.72 per week, a £1.51 increase from 2024-25.
Cllr Smith said: “We know that many of our residents are feeling the pressures of rising costs.
"That’s why it’s our duty to ensure that every pound of public money is spent wisely and delivers the best possible value for our residents.”