Have your say on West Northamptonshire Council budget proposal
People are encouraged to have their say on how West Northamptonshire Council has balanced its budget amid continuing financial pressures. Initially the Council faced a predicted budget shortfall of almost £60 million for the coming financial year due to a range of factors including high inflation, which is driving up running costs, and a significant increase in demand for services. Members of the Cabinet met last night (Tuesday 20 Dec) to discuss a range of saving and efficiency proposals which will allow the Council to meet that shortfall, while protecting vital frontline services. Those proposals are now subject to a six-week consultation, giving people an opportunity to share their views ahead of the final budget going to Full Council in February. People have until the end of January to have their say, by completing the survey on our Consultation Hub The survey can be accessed online for free at libraries across West Northants, or you can request a copy in another format by emailing haveyoursay@westnorthants.gov.uk or phoning 0300 126 7000. The draft budget features a broad range of proposals to bridge the funding gap, including:
During the next financial year the Council plans to carry out a capital investment programme of more than £12.2 million to improve local roads, including a £4.7 million fund towards repairing potholes. Public health funding will be earmarked for a range of schemes aimed at improving residents’ wellbeing, reducing health inequalities and continuing to support communities through this period of high inflation. The Council will also continue to deliver upon plans to drive economic growth in West Northants, with further progress expected on the multi-million-pound regeneration of Northampton through the Government’s Towns Fund, starting with the Market Square transformation in the New Year. Councillor Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “In common with councils up and down the country, we are experiencing financial pressures. “The challenge of bridging the £60 million funding gap left us with some very tough decisions, so we have produced a set of proposals that address the pressures we are under, while allowing us to continue to protect the most vulnerable in our society, and deliver services to residents across our communities. “Your feedback is very important to us, so please take the time to tell us what you think, as this will help councillors make a final decision on the budget in February.” |
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