Cabinet to consider latest budget proposals

Plans for a balanced budget and a 2.99 per cent council tax rise will be considered by Norfolk County Council's Cabinet on 31 January.

A report to Cabinet also proposes a review of how the Council operates, to tackle a predicted £60 million gap the following year.

Two possible council tax rises have been tabled - 2.99 per cent or the maximum permissible 3.99 per cent - but councillors have already said they favour 2.99 per cent, in the light of feedback from the recent public consultation.

Cabinet member for finance, Councillor Andrew Jamieson, said: "We are tightening the Council's belt, instead of raising council tax even higher than we need to, because we know residents face a rapid rise in the cost of living.

"I'm determined to save money by making the council even more efficient and effective - and I'm determined to keep raising our case for fair funding from the Government."

Council leader, Councillor Andrew Proctor, said: "We are carrying out a major review of the Council, to make it fit for the future.

"We are accelerating our work to transform the way it operates and using technology and other innovations to become as cost effective and responsive as possible."

The 2022-23 budget proposes significant investment, while addressing continuing severe pressure on services, including:

• Adult social services: £35.478 million of growth pressure (including for the National Living Wage), against planned savings of £10.465 million.
• Children's services: £23.244 million of growth pressure, against planned savings of £12.088 million.
• Community and environmental services: £10.053 million of growth pressure, against planned savings of £3.496 million.

Overall, the proposals for 2022-23 increase the net budget by £25 million compared to this year, to £464.325 million.

A 2.99 per cent rise in the County Council's share of council tax would mean the following charge per band:

• A - 1,011.30
• B - 1,179.85
• C - 1,348.40
• D - 1,516.95
• E - 1,854.05
• F - 2,191.15
• G - 2,528.25
• H - 3,033.90

Cabinet will consider the budget when it meets at 10am on Monday, 31 January. Watch the meeting, live or afterwards and read the reports

The final decision on the budget will be taken by the full County Council meeting at 10am on Monday, 21 February.