RESIDENTS are encouraged to have their say on Tameside Council’s services and priorities as part of the Council’s budget setting process for 2025/26.
The Council is preparing its budget for the next financial year and is seeking the views of local people to shape its plans. The consultation is open to everyone and the results will help Councillors as they look to set a balanced budget in February 2025.
The Council’s annual budget of £744million is built to deliver services such as: Adult Services, including residential and nursing care and care at home; Children’s and Families Services, including social care for vulnerable children and fostering; schools; waste collection; maintaining green spaces; and many more.
There is pressure on this budget due to the rising demand for services combined with inflation increases resulting in a higher cost of delivery.
It is proposed to generate funding through additional income, such as increased levels of business rates and council tax, fees and charges and government grants. This includes a proposed council tax increase of 2.99% to invest in existing services and a 2% precept to help give further support to adult social care services. If approved this would mean an increase of £1.17 per week for a typical Band A property.
The Council remains committed to providing high-quality services and wants to hear residents’ opinions through a consultation.
You can give your views through the Big Conversation online or ask for a paper copy at any of our libraries across the borough. What you tell us will help to shape the Council’s priorities as it sets its budgets for 2025/26 and beyond.
The consultation is open at www.tameside.gov.uk/budgetconversation2025-26 until Wednesday 19 February 2025.
Councillor Jack Naylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Since 2010, Tameside Council has had to save more than £237million, and once again we have had to manage inflation costs across every service alongside unprecedented rises in demand for social care and increases in the cost of that care.
“Please let us know what your priorities are for the Council and where you think improvements or efficiencies can be made.”
Tameside Council is supporting its most vulnerable residents with cost-of-living pressures through the Household Support Fund (HSF). Visit www.tameside.gov.uk/householdsupportfund for more information.
A council tax support scheme is available for those on the lowest incomes and Tameside Welfare Rights can help people maximise their income and offer advice on eligibility for benefits. Helping Hand cost-of-living support information is also available 24/7 online at www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand.