2021-22 budget-Council Meeting 11th Feb
After a long debate in which the LDGI Group put alternative ideas in a budget amendment the Conservative budget was approved.
Full details are at https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk/DocSetPage.aspx?MeetingTitle=(26-01-2021),%20The%20Cabinet
I had a range of concerns that I expressed in detail last month. In brief there is a budget gap that is heading for £158.6 million cumulative by 2024-5. However, the administration’s budget deals with just this year, outlines the future problems, and hopes service “transformation” will dramatically lower costs. They also hope the Government will deliver funds from central taxes but there is no evidence they will. How will the gap be filled? through substantial cuts I fear.
Our amendment
We proposed the council did as the Government assumes and takes the full 3% social Care precept allowed. That would be painful for us all, £13.41 per year at Council Tax band D but honest and necessary. Without it how will the needs of people with health problems and disabilities be met?
