East Suffolk Council will spend nearly £100million in 2024/25 delivering critical services for its communities, and projects to improve the district, as part of an ambitious four-year-plan.

At a Full Council meeting today, the Council confirmed a balanced budget for the year and committed to a net spend of £46 million for services such as planning and coastal management, environmental services, leisure, waste collection and parking.

In addition, a further £50 million will be invested in assets, services, housing and infrastructure in 2024/25 as part of the General Fund and Housing Capital Programmes.

Having formed a new Administration in May 2023, the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group (GLI) led by Cllr Caroline Topping, developed ‘Our Direction 2028’ – a four-year plan which presents the Council’s key ambitions. It is driven by four main priorities (Environmental Impact, Sustainable Housing, Tackling Inequalities & Thriving Economy) and Cllr Topping believes this budget shows that the Council is making important funding decisions based on these clear principles.

She said: “The GLI administration at East Suffolk Council has a clear and bold plan to promote a bright, green, open, free, and fair future for all – and our budget for 2024/25 reflects that. We know that many people are facing difficulties, and our services can make a real difference.

“We are focusing on the inequalities that people face in East Suffolk, with a range of services dedicated to providing support for those most in need. We are raising funding for Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, providing more money for Citizens Advice East Suffolk, and to Community Hubs which offer practical advice and support for a range of vulnerable residents.

“Improved housing is also a key priority and, along with the Housing Revenue Account, our budget commits to supporting safe, suitable and sustainable homes, delivering affordable and sustainable housing as opportunities arise.

“Naturally, we are committed to delivering positive climate, nature and environmental impacts – which will also benefit and enhance our long-term financial stability. This includes a commitment to fund a range of different initiatives such as our Cycling and Walking Strategy and ongoing financial support for the delivery of the Council’s commitment to net zero by 2030.  

“This budget also looks to ensure that our economic development and regeneration activity enables residents of East Suffolk to benefit from and contribute to a thriving economy but with a sustainable approach at its heart.”

Around 40% of East Suffolk’s critical services are funded by Council Tax and the total amount paid specifically to East Suffolk by each household will increase by 2.98%. However the Council only receives around 8.8% of each Council Tax bill, with the remainder going to Suffolk County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk and Town & Parish Councils.

Cllr Topping continued: “If we are to set a balanced budget, while delivering such a wide range of vital services which benefit all our communities and businesses, Council Tax is a critically important element. It funds a large proportion of our net budget requirements, and with rising costs, set against a limited funding provision from central government, a rise is unavoidable.

“However, the proportion of total Council Tax which we receive for the services we deliver remains very small. For a Band D property, the proposed increase equates to an increase of just £5.40 per household for the entire year – and yet, it will help generate a fraction under half a million pounds of additional income for East Suffolk, which will be invested into the services that matter most to our communities.”