Norfolk County Council approves a 4.99% council tax rise alongside £45.3 million in savings across key services.
The budget has £45.3 million in savings. It also includes £108.8 million for services. Council leader Kay Mason Billig wants fairer government funding. Her team must do “more with less.”
Adult social care faces £24.5 million in cuts. Children’s services will see £14.6 million cut. Early intervention will drive children’s service savings. Technology will also boost efficiency.
The council will spend £2 million less on housing support. This affects people at risk of homelessness. Recycling center closures are also planned for Wednesdays. The council expects to save £1 million on waste. They will spend £250,000 on hazardous waste events. Another £250,000 will improve verge cutting and weed control. High streets will get a £250,000 boost too.
Andrew Jamieson is in charge of council finances. He declared the budget “robust” despite financial challenges. Westminster’s funding is unfair, he stated. Jamieson felt “forced” to raise council tax. The increase avoided a referendum.
Other parties proposed changes, but they failed. These included the Lib Dems, Labour, Greens, and an independent. Lib Dem leader Brian Watkins criticized the budget. He stated residents pay more for less. They also wanted to restore some housing support. AI investigation in adult care was requested.
Labour leader Steve Morphew raised concerns. He questioned the budget’s Norwich Western Link plan. They aimed to stop housing support cuts, and wanted to restore charity funding. Alison Thomas described a charity funding review process. The Labour group sought care home investment. They also desired money for a special needs school.
Conservative councillors stated districts handle housing support. They mentioned provided government funds. Green leader Catherine Rowett criticized underfunding. She thinks climate change needed more attention. Her proposals included new trees. Rural bus improvements were wanted too, and they also desired parking fees and traffic cameras.