A budget for a time of change
Protecting local services and balancing the books are the priority for the Council in the next financial year, as it adapts to changes to local government funding introduced by the new Government. The Cabinet’s budget proposals for 2025/6 were presented by the Leader of the Council at a Cabinet meeting on Monday 13 January 2025, marking the start of a period of public consultation. The proposals have been produced at a time of change, with a one-year financial settlement from the Government this year, but the prospect of a longer term, sustainable and robust financial settlement for councils in the future. The draft Local Government Finance Settlement, which was published in December 2024, provided a 7.4% increase in funding, which is positive but does not fully meet the financial challenges that the Council is currently facing. The Council is legally required to set a balanced budget each year. Based on the Council’s current financial forecasts, the local authority is now facing budget deficits of £3 million in 2025/26 and £4.2 million in 2026/27 and £6.1 million in 2027/28. To protect and maintain vital public services the Cabinet’s budget proposals include an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%. This includes a Council Tax increase of 2.99% in line with the limit set by Government and an additional 2% Social Care Precept to help fund and protect social care services to vulnerable adults and children. These increases are expected of the Council by the Government when it calculates how much funding the local authority will receive within the financial settlement. The Council continues to prioritise support for those who need it most, with 70% of the total budget now spent on adults’ and children’s health and social care. Demand for these services has continued to rise, particularly from people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and there is a growing number of children requiring Education Health and Care Plans. High inflation has increased costs across all services, adding additional pressure to the Council’s budget. People can have their say on the Cabinet’s budget proposals by completing the online survey: https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/council/budgets-and-spending/cabinets-budget-proposals. The closing date for comments is midnight on Sunday 2 February 2025. Credit to : Calderdale Council