Consultation opens on council budget

North Oxfordshire residents, businesses and communities can now have their say on the district council's budget proposals for next year.

Published: Friday, 22nd November 2024

Cherwell District Council is consulting on a balanced budget position for 2025-2026. People can have their say from Friday, 22 November, with the consultation drawing to a close on Monday, 23 December.

The council is balancing the books through a combination of back-office efficiencies, the strategic use of reserves, and increasing income in certain areas.

Have your say

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of the Council, said: "We understand the financial pressures many in our communities are facing. Like them, the council is feeling the strain of inflation, but we've put a great deal of work into absorbing the costs by finding more effective ways of working. That means we've been able to protect our vital frontline services and minimise the impact on our residents.

"This is a significant achievement following years of austerity and the challenges of COVID. Thanks to our prudent and efficient management, our residents will continue to benefit from the same high-quality services we offer, and I encourage them to have their say and help us finalise what is set to be a very positive budget."

The cost of delivering council services has increased in recent years, but the income available to pay for them hasn't kept up. These financial pressures include continued high energy costs, inflation, and the cost of living crisis.

The council is proposing £1.02m of new efficiency savings and is seeking public feedback on proposed increases to fees for several specialist professional services. It is also considering a modest £6 or £10 annual increase in garden waste collection fees to better reflect the cost of providing the service while ensuring it remains in line with what neighbouring local authorities charge. The council also proposes to put up its share of the council tax by £5 a year for band D properties.

At the same time, the council is working towards introducing kerbside glass collection in the near future.

At the time of the council launching this consultation, government has yet to make any announcements about council funding for next year. English councils are waiting for clarity from the government on a long-delayed reset of business rates; the future of the New Homes Bonus scheme and other time-limited grants; plans to support small businesses, which could influence local government funding; and potential changes to waste and recycling rules, which could create new income opportunities.

As part of the council's long-term planning, the consultation also asks for people's opinions on an emerging vision and strategy. They are focused on delivering positive, lasting improvement in areas like quality housing, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.

Cllr Hingley added: "We are pleased to be consulting on a balanced budget this year, but we urge government to introduce a long-term, sustainable plan for local government funding. This would allow us to better plan for the ambitious, innovative public services our communities and residents deserve."

Residents' feedback on the proposals will help shape budget deliberations scheduled for the council's Executive on 3 February 2025. The final decision on next year's budget is expected at the full council meeting on 24 February 2025.

For further details and to participate in the consultation, visit cherwell.citizenspace.com.

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