Residents across Cornwall are invited to have their say on draft budget proposals for 2023/24.
Cornwall Council’s Cabinet committee met at County Hall earlier this week to discuss the authority’s proposed draft budget. The plan addresses the challenging financial climate while protecting essential public services in Cornwall, after unprecedented inflationary pressures and an increased demand for the council’s services left a budget gap in the next financial year of £62 million.
At the Cabinet meeting on 9 November, the draft budget proposed included a 2.99% increase to council tax bills, well below current rates of inflation. However, in line with the Government’s changes to council tax increase limits announced on 17 November, proposals are being presented to the Cabinet on 14 December to increase the Council’s element of the council tax by 4.99%. This is still below inflation but will further protect essential services
Cllr David Harris, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council said: “This budget focuses on ensuring we spend the money we have on those things that matter most to our residents and are absolutely linked to delivering the Council’s Mission and four priority outcomes. That means focusing on those essential statutory services like care, housing and waste collection, while critically reviewing those services which we have a choice to, rather than are obliged to provide.
"Whilst this budget is based on the funding plans currently in place, we will continue, through all avenues available, to press Government to secure extra funding for Cornwall."
In light of the proposed changes to council tax increase being considered by Cabinet on 14 December, the public consultation will be extended by a week and run until Sunday, 15 January, 2023
The budget will then go to Cabinet again in February and then to full Council for final approval.
Please visit the Let’s Talk Cornwall website to find out more and give your feedback.
