Have your say on Leicestershire County Council’s crucial budget as the authority faces a £92 million shortfall by 2025

You can now have your say on Leicestershire County Council’s crucial budget blueprint as the cash-strapped authority faces a gaping £92 million shortfall by 2025.

Residents, businesses, parish councils and partner organisations are being urged to give their views by completing a short survey available at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/budgetThe council’s latest four-year proposals show the difference between income and expenditure will hit £92 million in 2025 - meaning that huge savings will have to be made.

Investment in services such as children and family services, adult social care and environment and transport is proposed as well as a £450 million capital pot to spend on infrastructure and a 1.99 per cent rise in Council Tax.

Cllr Byron Rhodes, the council’s Cabinet member for finance, said: “The combination of lack of reform, coronavirus and rising demand for services is pushing us very close to the edge.

“And the lack of clarity on whether the Government’s fair funding review will happen is very disappointing given that we remain in the unenviable position as the lowest-funded county in the country.

“And although extra funding may be made available to reduce the £92 million gap, it’s clear that significant savings will still be required.”

He added: “Taking tough decisions early has put us in a relatively sound position compared to other councils who are effectively about to run out of money.

“And that’s why we’re able to set out a budget that delivers the services residents depend on.

“Building on what residents told us last year in our priorities consultation, it focuses on protecting support for vulnerable children and adults, investment in green and environmental projects to take effective action on climate change and carbon reduction, as well as investment in roads and schools to support new homes.

“For every one per cent increase in Council Tax, an extra £3.1 million is generated to reduce the impact on services.

“We’re keen to hear people’s views and I’d encourage to complete our short survey and help shape our plans.”

The consultation runs until Sunday January 17 – find out more and have your say by visiting: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/budget