Council wants residents to have say on budget proposals

Boston residents are being urged to have their say on a proposed council tax increase for the borough – and their thoughts on how the council should use its resources as the coronavirus crisis continues.
Have your say on budget proposalsHave your say on budget proposals
Have your say on budget proposals

Borough Council wants residents and businesses to say what their thoughts are on the Council’s next budget as part of a budget consultation process.

The cabinet member for finance, Coun Jonathan Noble, said the process offered residents the chance to have their say on how the council spends its money and provides services.

The council’s cabinet agreed a draft budget on Wednesday with a council tax increase of 2.57% for the borough’s share of the bill.

That will now go out to consultation and will be brought back to full council in the next few weeks to finalise the budget.

The council says the 2.57% represents a 9.5p a week increase for the average band D property, and almost 90% of properties are rated below this and will pay less.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst we have continued to provide support for those who need it since the start of the pandemic, the full economic effects of coronavirus on our communities have not yet been fully felt.

“Therefore, the council’s initial focus for the 2021/22 budget is to secure the authority’s financial position, allowing us to continue to deliver the services which have been so relied upon during this difficult year.

“The council will also continue to invest in projects that accelerate economic recovery, whilst continuing to support local residents, businesses and communities.”

To have your say on the Council’s next budget please complete the online survey at www.mybostonuk.com/consultation or request a paper copy by calling 01205 314269. The survey closes on February 19.

Cllr Noble, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Commercial, said: “The requirement for Council services continues to increase and so does the cost of delivering them. We are also in the middle of the Coronavirus epidemic and we still don’t yet know the full financial impact of this epidemic’.

“As a Council we cannot achieve our objectives to make Boston a better place to live, work and visit without the support of our residents; this is your chance to advise how the Council spends its resources, shape what we do in the future and help us protect the services we all value.

“I hope as many residents, businesses and partners as possible will complete this survey to have their say on the important job of setting a balanced budget.”

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