Budget consultation 2022/23

Introduction

On 28 February 2022, Cherwell District Council will meet to agree its budget. In this consultation we are asking residents, businesses and others for their views on our budget proposals for 2022/23 and our proposed council tax increase.

Following on from our residents’ satisfaction survey in the autumn, which asked people for their views on a wide range of questions about the council and their local area, we want to hear your views on our budget proposals and our proposed council tax level to help the council set a balanced budget. We are also seeking your feedback on the council’s four key priorities as set out in our business plan, that guide the work of the council and help shape our budget.

Background

In 2021/22, a combination of national and local factors came together to present significant financial challenges for the council, which resulted in us needing to make savings of £4.4 million. This year, the challenge remains meaning we need to make new savings of £2.6 million in 2022/23.

Longer-terms issues include uncertainty around the government’s plans on resetting business rates and the New Homes Bonus Scheme, which is currently winding down, both of which present a big loss of funding for the council. COVID-19 is also continuing to have an impact across our services, for example on income-generating streams such as car parking.

Added to this our population continues to grow and age at one of the fastest rates in our history, which puts more pressure on our budgets and services.

The council is required by law to reach a balanced budget for 2022/23 and the budget proposals set out in this consultation reflect how we are planning carefully to meet current and future financial challenges. We are also working on identifying savings across the council to enable us to meet our demand pressures

Our accompanying consultation booklet provides background information on the council’s finances and our approach to setting the budget this year. We encourage you to read this before having your say. We also recommend you read our budget proposals that will be discussed by the Budget Planning Committee on 9 December 2021.

Please complete this survey to have your say. All responses must be received by Tuesday 4 January 2022