Initial budget proposals for the 2024/25 financial year have been agreed by the council’s executive
This year, the council expects to spend almost £650m on providing a wide range of vital services, including:
- £305m for adult care and community wellbeing
- £114m for children’s services
- £49m for highways
- £25m for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue
The council has managed to find around £9m in savings by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining operations through the use of new technology. However, it faces £61m in additional cost pressures from rising prices and increased demand for services, such as adult care, child protection and school transport. This includes around £6m to fund an unexpected increase in the national living wage recently announced by the government.
As a result, there is a proposed 4.99% increase in the authority’s share of the council tax, which equates to an extra £1.44 per week for a Band D property.
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s important we protect our frontline services as with know many residents rely on our support, as was underlined during the recent floods when the council and its partners were called upon to help those affected.
“This remains a challenging time for local government, with many councils facing severe financial difficulties. However, thanks to our careful financial management, Lincolnshire County Council remains in a stable position, and there are no plans to cut services. In addition, despite the proposed increase, our council tax rate is set to remain one of the lowest in the country for a shire county, which will be welcome news given the ongoing pressure on household budgets.”
Members of the public can share their views on the proposals by completing the survey available at www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk . Any feedback will be considered by the executive at their meeting on 6 February, when final proposals will be agreed. These will then be put before the full council at their meeting on 23 February.