HAVE YOUR SAY ON DRAFT BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL FOR 2022/2023

The consultation phase is a very important one in the budget setting process as it’s essential that we get the views of all the people the proposals effect before we can shape the final plans in February.

You can take part in the consultation in the following ways:

Completing the online survey at: https://northnorthants.citizenspace.com/cet/budget-2022-23 ·

Writing to: North Northamptonshire Council, Sheerness House, Meadow Road, Kettering, NN16 8TL

Our budget proposals set out a detailed spending strategy for the authority for the financial year 2022-2023 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the next three years.

We will be working hard to protect vital services, while at the same time proposing a balanced account on the net revenue budget of £293.5million.

This funding provides a range of services to residents and businesses across the area including care to vulnerable adults and children, education, the disposal and collection of waste, household waste recycling, economic development, housing and support for the homeless.

The budget further develops firm financial foundations for the council as it settles into its second year following the reorganisation of local government in Northamptonshire.

Proposals focus on further transformation of services as well as developing policies around the authority’s corporate plan.

While the council is in a stable position now, it is recognised that the Covid pandemic has had a profound effect on societies and economies around the world and this presents some uncertainty in the medium term.

However, the council believes that by being prudent it can be in the best position possible as it moves forward.

Council Tax

It is proposed that council tax is increased by 2.99%, which includes the adult social care levy of 1%. This would contribute around £5.2m per annum and would represent a Band D level of Council Tax for North Northamptonshire Council of £1,578.73.

This is an increase of £45.83 (equivalent to £0.88 per week) from the Band D Council Tax level of £1,532.90 in 2021/22.

This Band D figure does not include the Council Tax for individual Town and Parish Councils or the Council Tax set for Fire and Police by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

There is no change to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme which will continue at 25%.

Next steps

This consultation on the proposals will run until midnight on Friday, 28^th January 2022.

The Executive will then meet on 10^th February 2022 to consider final budget proposals for recommendation to Full Council on 24^th February 2022.

As a council our aim is to improve services for the people of North Northants and our annual budget announcement shows our plans on how we intend to do that over the next 12 months.

It’s important our residents get the opportunity to comment on these proposals and it would be great to hear from as many people as possible from a variety of backgrounds.

Finally, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022.