Public consultation underway as Boston Borough Council seeks views on draft budget 2024/25

Posted on 26 January 2024

Boston Borough Council is asking residents and businesses to share their views on the proposed budget for 2024/25.

The draft budget looks to deliver investment in key areas including significant projects funded by external grants, driving economic growth, supporting the delivery of affordable housing, supporting healthy living, supporting the vulnerable and invest to save initiatives.

The investment to support our local economy while still providing key services for residents comes despite the draft budget being one of the most challenging due to unprecedented inflation pressures, as well as the continued reduction in Government funding and the impact of Internal Drainage Board levies on the council's ability to support services.

The Council is proposing a Council Tax rise of 3 per cent - £7.20 per year for a Band D property - an extra 14p per week. Only 8p in every £1 we collect is the Council's element, which includes the levy that we are required to pay to the local internal drainage boards, which totals over half of the 8p.

The budget also proposes:

• To focus on the generation of additional efficiencies, shared services and income from commercial activities guided by our Delivery Plans.
• Increased capital investment in Council assets to help generate new income streams, reduce running costs and help deliver services more efficiently.
• Significant grant expenditure

Cllr Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance at Boston Borough Council, said: "Each year by law, the Council must set a balanced budget, and this year it has been one of the most challenging. Despite the challenges, the council's financial position means it is well placed and able to take a considered approach to mitigating these exceptional challenges.

"We continue to work to develop new opportunities, efficiencies, and income streams to support the Council's revenue budget.

"Our focus is to deliver well the projects we have already committed to through the Towns Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and UK Shared Prosperity Funds we have received to support our community and places to thrive in a challenging economic climate.

"Our priorities ensure we remain financially resilient to deliver services our communities need, as well as investing in the borough to support economic recovery.

"As part of the process, it is important we hear the views of our residents and businesses to help inform our final decision at Council in March.

"I'd encourage our residents and businesses to take time to read through our proposals and have their say as part of our consultation."

The consultation is available to complete online at www.boston.gov.uk/budgetconsultation

The closing date for responses is Friday, February 2, 2024.

Paper copies of the consultation can also be requested by calling 01507 601111.