Help shape the Council’s budget priorities for 2025-26
Wednesday, November 06, 2024
Wakefield Council is asking residents to help shape the 2025-26 budget. Local views will help the Council decide how to use limited resources. Adapt to meet growing demand for services. And focus investment where it will make the most positive difference to local communities.
“We remain ambitious in trying to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
“But, like Councils right across the country, we’re facing very challenging financial circumstances after years of under-funding by the previous Government. That means our budget gap is projected to be around £35.8 million next year.
“This means that it’s more important than ever that we adapt our services to meet your needs. To always be looking to provide value for money. And to meet growing demand for essential services.
“We want to hear your views on what the Council’s priorities are. How we spend the money we do have available. And ideas for raising income and making potential savings. So please take the time to complete our survey – it only takes five minutes and will make a real difference.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
The Council deliver many essential local services including waste collection and recycling, social care, education, roads, and more.
Every resident is being encouraged to complete an online survey which takes just five minutes. It will be open until Wednesday 27 November.
Following completion of the survey, the initial proposals setting out how the budget gap could be met, will be presented to Cabinet in two phases. The first phase is expected to go to Cabinet in December. The second phase, which will present all the initial proposals to balance the budget, will be discussed at a meeting on 21 January 2025.
If Cabinet accept these proposals, they will go out for residents and businesses to have their say in a consultation. Once that finishes and feedback is reviewed, the budget will go back to Cabinet on 18 February. The final 2025-26 Revenue Budget, Council Tax and Capital Programme will go to Full Council for approval on 3 March 2025.