Ipswich Borough Council has announced the Budget Delivery Plan that it proposes to use to tackle its financial struggles.
This comes against the backdrop of councils around the UK facing significant financial pressures brought on by a number of contributing factors such as dwindling investment, increased demand for services, and economic events. The plan that Ipswich borough Council has unveiled will work to address these issues.
Currently, the council is projected to see a shortfall of £23 million over the next four years, however the Budget Delivery Plan will look address that by ensuring that essential services can continue to be provided, whilst saving measures are introduced. These savings are expected to contribute around £16 million to the General Fund, as well as an additional £4 million to the council’s Housing Revenue Account.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of the Council, commented on the plan:
“While we face difficult decisions, our priority remains to protect essential frontline services wherever possible. The Council has a strong track record of delivering savings and its vital that we continue to do so – no matter how hard the decisions are.”
Saving measures that will be introduced will come under five key categories, which are:
- Removing subsidy and introducing charging – This will see the council ensuring that it can recover the full cost for services such as planning, building control and public protection, whilst also bringing in charges or garden waste collections
- Income generation – This will increase the charges on sports and leisure activities, whilst also bringing in new charges for some cultural offerings. Alongside this, sponsorships will be sought out for community facilities and events.
- Changes to some discretionary service availability – Adjustments will be made to the availability of services such as swimming pools.
- Changes to the delivery of some services – Specialist providers will be brought in as partners for some services such as waste enforcement and stray dog handling, whilst others will be streamlined to ensure effective and sustainable delivery.
- Administrative savings – Administrative savings such as reduced contributions to the pension fund and optimised back-office operating will be introduced to maintain financial stability whilst continuing to serve communities.
Portfolio Holder for Resources, Cllr Martin Cook, added:
“We are committed to taking steps to secure a sustainable financial future for Ipswich while being transparent and accountable throughout this process. We will continue to do our very best to meet residents needs during this difficult period.”
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