Norfolk County Council has announced that it has agreed on a budget that ‘delivers’ for its communities, despite ongoing local government challenges.
A budget worth £528 million has been agreed by the council, with this being set against a backdrop of significant cost and demand pressures. In the last year Norfolk council faced an overspend of £30 million when it comes to adult social services and children’s services, with this leading to a further £60 million and £35 million included in this budget to counter that.
With the budget being labelled a budget for the future, other investment includes:
- £34.6 million to cover inflation
- £38 million for legislative requirements
- £39.7 million for demand and demographic issues
- £9.6 million for policy decisions
- £41.5 million worth of new savings
- Increasing the county council’s share of council tax by 4.99% to generate £24.9 million.
Leader of Norfolk County Council, Cllr Kay Mason-Billig, 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.”
Considering the financial challenges that are being faced by councils around the country, Cllr Mason-Billig stated that the council will continue to lobby government to commit to multi-year funding settlements for local authorities, as well as fairer funding and social care funding reform.
Councillor Andrew Jamieson, Deputy Leader of the Council, also commented:
“Our priorities are stable and sustainable finances, well delivered public services, economic growth and protecting and enhancing Norfolk’s heritage and environment.”
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