In a move to address economic challenges and bolster its services, Cornwall Council has approved an ambitious business and financial plan for the period 2024-2028. The plan, including the 2024/25 budget, was discussed in detail at the Children & Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on January 17, 2024.
Key Highlights of the Financial Plan
The plan aims to navigate the council through a period marked by financial constraints and increasing service demands, particularly in areas like children’s social care, home-to-school transport, and temporary accommodation needs. Here are the major components of the plan:
- Financial Challenges and Strategies: Cornwall Council, like many local authorities, faces significant financial challenges, including a forecast overspend of nearly £15 million. The plan addresses these through a combination of prudent financial management and robust planning processes.
- Focus on Priority Outcomes: The council reiterates its commitment to its four priority outcomes: A Brilliant Place to be a Child and Grow Up, A Thriving Sustainable Cornwall, Vibrant Safe Supportive Communities, and An Empowering and Enterprising Council. Resources will be directed towards achieving these outcomes.
- Budget Proposals and Council Tax Increases: The plan proposes a council tax increase of 4.99% for the 2024/25 financial year. This increase includes a 2.99% general increase and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept. This decision aligns with the government’s referendum limits.
- Focus on Children and Families: The council places a strong emphasis on children’s social care services, with an additional £10 million allocated to meet increased demand. This includes funding for home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Investment in Adult Social Care: Recognising the growing demands in adult social care, the council is allocating an additional £18 million for these services in 2024/25. This includes investment in the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Critical Control Centre.
- Sustainable Financial Management: The plan includes using council reserves to balance the budget temporarily, with a clear strategy to ensure financial sustainability in the long term. The council aims to contain overspending service costs within its overall recurrent resources envelope by April 2025.
- Community Engagement and Consultation: The council conducted an extensive consultation process, including a public survey, to gauge residents’ opinions on the budget and council tax proposals. Despite some concerns about the council tax increase, there was significant support for the council’s priorities.
Challenges Ahead
While the council has laid out a comprehensive plan, the next few years are expected to be challenging. Tough decisions will be required to ensure financial sustainability and meet the evolving needs of Cornwall residents.
Council’s Commitment
Despite these challenges, Cornwall Council remains committed to its mission of working with communities for a carbon-neutral Cornwall where everyone can start well, live well, and age well. The financial plan is a testament to the council’s dedication to maintaining a balanced approach, focusing on people, planet, and pounds, while ensuring the delivery of key services to its residents.
