Suffolk County Council is seeking feedback from residents, businesses and community organisations as it prepares its budget for the next financial year.

The council has launched an online consultation to explain its current financial position and give Suffolk residents an opportunity to share their views on proposed Council Tax changes and spending priorities.

The consultation offers an opportunity to understand how the council manages its finances, the cost-saving measures already in place, and how the council might generate more money to support essential services.

The council can increase its budget in two main ways: by receiving more funding from the government or by increasing Council Tax.

The consultation asks residents for feedback on which council services they have used recently, whether they support increasing Council Tax contributions, and which areas they would like to see prioritised in the council’s budget-setting process.

Responses to the consultation will be considered alongside feedback from businesses, public sector partners and elected members, as well as advice from council officers, as it prepares next year’s budget.

Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills, said:

“The demand for council services, particularly adult and children’s care, is rising every year, and while Suffolk County Council has managed its finances well for many years, public funding has not kept pace. Despite these challenges, we are committed to prioritising support for our most vulnerable residents, but this does mean that we continue to face difficult decisions about the other services we deliver.

“Councils across the country are facing critical funding issues. Whilst the Chancellor has announced some extra money for local government, we will not be told how much will come to Suffolk until later in the year. In the meantime, we must prepare to navigate another challenging budget, which will require new approaches and tough choices.

“That is why it’s important that we hear from residents, businesses and other community groups in Suffolk. Your feedback will help us to plan for the future and ensure we make informed decisions on service priorities and Council Tax."

The consultation opens today, Friday 1^st November, and closes on Monday 16^th December 2024. To participate, visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025_26_budget

The results of the consultation will be included in a final report when the budget is set in February 2025.