RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on Tameside Council’s plans to increase council tax this year and make almost £40 million in cuts over the next five years.
The local authority expects to have to make a further £39.82 million of savings by 2028/29, on top of making more than £180 million in budget reductions since 2010 driven by a decline in central government funding.
Ahead of the next financial year starting in April, the council says it anticipates inflation
increases of £24.89 million and has set aside £12.42 million for “additional demand” for
services.
But this means £18.71 million of budget cuts is proposed, as well as a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent to “invest in existing services” and a two per cent precept to “help give further support to adult social care services” in a bid to generate a further £5.7 million.
Now, as the local authority sets its budgets for 2024/25 and beyond, the views of households across the borough are being sought.
The consultation is open online at www.tameside.gov.uk/budgetconversation2024-25 until Friday, February 2, and paper copies can be found at any Tameside library.
Tameside Council’s lead member for Finance has hit out at a lack of government support
and urges local people to take part in the ‘Big Conversation’ to help shape the authority’s
budget priorities.
“Since 2010, Tameside has faced real-terms reductions in government support and, despite the welcome increases in funding over the last two years, it just hasn’t been enough,” said Councillor Jacqueline North.
“We know for many the cost-of-living crisis is far from over, yet half of any increase in the council’s spending power next year is likely to be funded by residents through council tax.
“To date, the government has not taken any steps to deliver their promises on fairer funding across the country. This means no account is taken of local levels of poverty, wages, population need, or the ability of a local authority to raise income locally.
“With our budget proposals for 2024/25, we are seeking to set out a realistic and effective
way forward in this economic climate and we really want to know residents’ opinions and
ideas.”
Residents are also being reminded that support and advice around the cost of living can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand or by calling the council on 0161 342 8355.
Increase the number of traffic wardens. People in my area, block pavements for hours,and break every law in the book. Very little is done about this. I suggest that the council does its duty,and the fines would help keep down the deficit.
Let’s consider why we pay local councillors
The reason we appointed a councillor was to be a name we could put forward to vote for when local elections were due ,councillors were paid as magistrates for costs for travel and outgoings and because they loved speaking for the public and a party they believed in.
When councillors made them selves available for residents complaints because at the time Joe public did not no how to reach departments and found it difficult to to raise problems and complaints to council offices they received a wage
Council officers departments are now much more willing to talk to the public and there are phone contacts easy to speak to ,or email problems and they will respond with a positive outcome .
So I believe local councillors should return to being just a name to support there chosen party and be paid for outgoings only ,like magistrates , the cost of paying office staff who work supporting these officers and councillors wages is a major handicap to Tameside.
I Also think we can live without paying wages to Andy Burnham what great saving there.