Scrutiny probes budget proposals

County council budget proposals, including a 4.99 per cent Council Tax rise, will be probed by the scrutiny committee.

The committee meets on 15th February to examine the latest budget proposals from the cabinet.

Chair of scrutiny, Councillor Steve Morphew, said: "Scrutiny before the budget council is the culmination of meetings through the year, where this committee gets to ask detailed questions.

"It's the best and only real chance for tough questions to be put to cabinet members and senior officers by other councillors. This is the toughest of tough years, so the public of Norfolk will expect searching questions about the money they are being asked to pay in Council Tax and whether it is being spent to best effect."

The same meeting will consider its £956.9 million capital investment in buildings and equipment, funded by grants and property sales. In addition to a range of existing schemes, like the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing and investment in special education needs (SEND) schools, there are new investments totalling £35 million.

Scrutiny will consider the reports when it meets at 10am on Wednesday, 15th February. You can watch the meeting, live or afterwards and read the reports.

The full council will take the final decision on the council's budget on February 21st.