The Conservative administration at South Gloucestershire Council has published its Budget plans for 2023/24.
The proposals, which will be voted on at a Cabinet meeting on Friday 10 February, deliver on the administration’s key priorities for South Glos, which include giving children the best start in life, supporting vulnerable people, boosting economic growth and giving council taxpayers value for money.
Like local authorities all across the country, the Council’s finances have been heavily impacted by global factors such as the Cost of Living crisis and rising inflation driven by the war in Ukraine.
But sound management of public money by the local Conservatives in recent years has meant that South Glos is better placed than most other councils to deal with these pressures. Examples include setting aside underspends into a reserve and fixing energy contracts when prices were at historic lows.
And thanks to the Conservatives’ continued efforts, residents in South Glos will this year benefit from free parking being retained in all Council-owned car parks, more money spent fixing potholes and from cash set aside to keep bus services going temporarily following the WECA Mayor’s cuts.
Subject to Cabinet approval, the £30 charge for collecting garden waste will be frozen, Street Care teams will be protected, support for veterans’ services will continue and significant levels of investment in schools and community facilities will be available.
Cabinet will be asked to approve a below-inflation council tax rise of 4.99%, which is in keeping with the national trend.
Cllr Toby Savage, Conservative Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This year we have faced enormous financial challenges beyond our immediate control. The global rise in energy prices has pushed inflation up and the Council, like businesses and organisations all over the country, has had to adapt quickly.
“Despite these challenges, our Budget proposals show that we are well-placed to deliver on our priorities for residents and ensure that South Glos continues to thrive.
“We aim to strike a fair balance with a below-inflation council tax increase, alongside keeping car parking free, further help with the cost of living and investing to protect essential frontline services, like StreetCare.
“Whether it’s investing tens of millions of pounds in local schools to achieve record attainment levels, hitting our highest ever recycling rates and taking decisive action to tackle the climate crisis, or building vital public transport infrastructure and investing in local high streets, these Budget proposals will ensure that our significant achievements over the past few years will continue into the next.”
If agreed by Cabinet next Friday, the Budget proposals will be voted on by councillors at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 15 February.
