Council approves budget for 2024/2025
Councillors approved a balanced budget for Winchester City Council at a council meeting on 22 February.
The approved budget reflects continued investment in the Council Plan priorities, a below inflation increase in council tax and plans to improve online access for customers as part of a wider transformation programme.
It was acknowledged at the meeting that, across the country, the financial landscape is particularly challenging for local government and that Winchester City Council is not without its pressures. There is particular uncertainty about future funding, with no indication of settlements beyond this next year.
However, through careful financial management, the council can present a balanced and stable budget up until 2027. It is currently estimated that there will be a £3 million gap in funding by 2027.
A transformation programme (TC25), which has already identified immediate savings, has been launched to address this funding gap challenge. Included within it are plans to improve customers’ access to the council, enhancing the council’s online services - meaning those who would like to do their council business online can do so at any time, freeing up traditional contact methods for those who don’t.
Highlights within the agreed budget include:
- A below inflation rise in Council Tax for city council services (an increase of £4.07 per year for a Band D property, or 2.6%.)
- Investment in the council plan priority of ‘Greener Faster’ - expanding recycling and food waste collections and reducing carbon emissions in the waste vehicle fleet.
- Recognising the ongoing cost of living pressures for residents, budget has been set aside for a council tax support fund and the extension of the exceptional hardship fund.
- Investment in the Council Plan priority of Homes for All, providing additional support for the council’s homelessness prevention strategy and reducing the time after which an empty home will be liable to 100% council tax.
Cllr Neil Cutler, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said:
“It is a reflection of this council’s careful financial management that at a time when councils are facing unprecedented pressure, we are able to present a balanced and stable budget which does not contain cuts to services. This allows us to respond to what our residents have told us they would like to see from their council, reflected within the Council’s Plan. It is a caring and careful budget that responds to, and offers support for, residents while the cost of living crisis continues. The need to address the climate emergency continues to be urgent. We made a commitment to be greener faster and this budget maintains that commitment.
While future funding remains uncertain, we have kept council tax rises as low as possible and we are addressing future funding gaps now so that in three years’ time we will be in a strong position to address future challenges.”