Surrey County Council has published its draft budget for the next financial year, and is now asking residents for their views.
While councils across the country face huge pressures on their finances, Surrey is confident it will set a balanced budget for next year, but there are difficult decisions to make to ensure services are sustainable.
The draft budget also outlines vital investment in things like specialist care services, special education provision, road maintenance and transport improvements.
A consultation on the draft budget has now been launched to get public feedback.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Councils across the country are facing unprecedented financial challenges, and while here in Surrey we have a stable budget position, we are not immune to that pressure.
“All our key services – including social care, children’s services, and highways maintenance – are facing higher demand, higher costs, and reduced funding.
“Demand on these services in Surrey is particularly high and it’s essential that government recognise this and provide adequate funding through the forthcoming finance settlement.
“We must find ways to continue to support those residents who need us most, and to deliver the services that people rely on every day.
“This means we have to reduce costs where we can – and there is more to do to set a balanced budget next year – but also transform the way we work and find new ways to deliver services more effectively.
“Please take part in the consultation around this budget – it’s essential we understand where your priorities lie.”
The council would like to thank residents who responded to the first phase of the budget consultation exercise between August and September 2024. The results from this exercise have been presented to Members in the draft budget and will be considered by them at public scrutiny sessions in the first week of December.
However, there is still further opportunity for residents to have their say.
The draft budget was agreed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and delivers on four priority objectives outlined in the council’s Organisation Strategy 2023 to 2028.
To be able to deliver essential services whilst still balancing the books, the council has identified £57m of efficiencies.
Residents are encouraged to give their views on these efficiencies to make sure that they are implemented in the best way possible.
The consultation survey can be completed anonymously and should take no more than ten minutes. Please give feedback by 23:59 on Tuesday 31 December.
The results of this budget consultation will inform the development of the final budget report, due to be published in January 2025.
