Dave Thomas: 'How Torbay Council plans to spend your money'

We have reached that time of year where we are setting our budget for the next  financial year. Last week our budget proposals, which were updated following your  feedback, were agreed at Cabinet. 

They will now be taken to Full Council, which is  being held on Thursday February 27. They will be debated and voted on. This is  also when we set the Council Tax for next year. 

Our approach with the budget follows a similar style to last year. We will continue to  have a strong grip on finances, making the most of our assets and using evidence to  show where funds are best spent.  

As some of you know, as you took the time to give feedback to us, we went out in  November with our original proposals. At that time, we did have to base our  proposals on our best assumptions as we didn’t know what our settlement would be from the Government. We now know what these figures are, and it has ensured that  we have a balanced budget. 

As previously mentioned, your feedback continues to help us shape our budget. The  survey results we received back were positive and in support of many of our  proposals. 

As expected, there was less support for any increase of council tax, fees  and charges and not much support for the increase in Planning Enforcement  Officers, which was a surprise because I hear from many of you complaints in this area.  

The total Revenue Budget will be £147.5 million and the Capital budget for next year  will be £32.6 million. This includes commitment to schemes like the Paignton and  Preston Promenade, phase one of Oldway, the second scheme in the Hotels to  Homes project and the St. Kilda’s redevelopment in Brixham, which is progressing  well. It also includes the continuation of the school's building and highway  programmes. 

What does this relate to in financial terms and for our Council Tax? We do have a  commitment to passport over a two per cent increase to our Integrated Care Organisation  (Adult Health Services). Government then allows us a further increase of 2.99 per cent If  we wanted to go higher, we would have to hold a referendum or have a conversation  with them.  

For this year we have started from a zero-based approach and worked our way up. This has brought us to an increase of 2.75 per cent. So along with the committed two per cent for  adult social care, this will take next year’s Council Tax rise to 4.75 per cent

Making the decision to increase Council Tax is never easy, as we are fully aware of  the cost of living pressures for you. Your money ensures we continue to provide our  services and invest in improving our place. This increase is in line with many other authorities, although others including Somerset, Trafford, Birmingham and Bradford,  have announced increases of up to 9.9 per cent.

So what will next year’s budget bring if approved by Council? We are looking at  substantial extra investment in both Children and Adults social care. We are looking  to purchase up to six new vehicles for SWISCo to support the collection of waste and  recycling, particularly in those hard-to-reach areas.  

£1.4 million will go towards our affordable housing plans and we are also putting  forward a new Community Grant fund of £200K. This is to work alongside community  groups, the voluntary sector and Ward Councillor’s to fund projects in the most  deprived areas across the Bay.  

£500,000 to go towards updating our play parks and both Operation Town Centres  and Operation Brighter Bay will see a commitment this year of £600,000 each. All of  these will help us provide a Bay that we can all be proud of. 

Next year’s budget sees us in a fairly good financial position. There are no cuts to  services, and we will continue with our longer term strategic approach with our  finances. This has been possible due to strong financial management, concentrating  on the things that matter to you and investing in our services that make a difference. 

Remember, you can watch Full Council Live on our YouTube channel on Thursday February 27.