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The Policy and Budget Framework sets out the Council's priorities and financial plans for the future. It focuses specifically on the Revenue Budget for the coming year 2010/11 but also an indication of the possible financial position for the following 2 years. It also indicates potential capital spending plans for the next 3 years, subject to the necessary capital funding being available.
This has been one of the most difficult years experienced by Babergh in terms of addressing the challenges posed by the current economic climate and finding savings, efficiencies and additional income of around £1.6m in order to produce a Budget for 2010/11.
Some very difficult and uncomfortable decisions had to be made as part of the Council’s strategic and financial planning process. We carried out a full review of our strategic priorities and service delivery plans and undertook a detailed and comprehensive examination of all costs and income streams. In doing this, we had extensive engagement with our stakeholders including staff and undertook appropriate risk and equality impact assessments.
Looking ahead to 2011/12 and beyond, given the deficit in public finances, there will undoubtedly be more difficult times ahead in terms of reducing Government grants. This will result in continuing pressures to find further significant savings, efficiencies and additional income.
We will continue to work very closely with our partners in developing a joint approach to service delivery and reducing costs. This is our approach as an alternative to the creation of Unitary Council(s) as a result of the local government review in Suffolk.
We are committed to giving you services that offer the best value for money and we will continue to do all we can to keep Council Tax rises as low as possible while still delivering and improving our services.
More detailed view of the specific revenue and capital spending plans on the Council's services and projects are contained in the Policy and Budget Framework 2010/11 and could be accessed by clicking on the link below:
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