Suffolk council sets aside additional £34m for adult care in 2023 budget plans
The proposed budget will be discussed in January
Council leaders in Suffolk have pledged to protect frontline services - as they've set out their plans for next year's £685 million budget.
The County Council is under severe pressure because of rising inflation and growing numbers of people needing help across the county, but says it's been able to produce a balanced budget.
Adult care services will get an additional £34 million next year - with services for vulnerable children getting an additional £13 million - the authority says these provisions will help meet a huge increase in demands for services, as well as higher costs due to inflation.
The council said it had been "prudent" in other areas, creating £15.5 million of savings.
There will also be funds issued to these areas:
- £700,000 for SEND services to support new recruitment, which is on top of £1.1m invested this year
- £500,000 for Highways: to use environmentally friendly weed treatments, and stop using glyphosate which can damage wildlife
- £110,000 for tree management: to support the ‘right tree right place’ policy, having an appropriate inspection regime and supporting the resulting tree management requirements.
- £45,000 for Citizens Advice: to support work during cost of living challenges
Under the proposals, the council’s budget would increase by 9.6% (from £625.3m to £685.3).
Additional funds would come from a total 3.99% increase in Council Tax, and an increase in funds from the Government for adult and children’s social care.
The proposed budget will be discussed at the council’s Scrutiny meeting on 10 January 2023, then presented at the Cabinet meeting on 24 January, with the final budget debated and voted on at Full Council on 9 February.