Have your say on council budget 2023/24

Now is your chance to have your say on Ashford Borough Council’s proposed budget for 2023/24.

2022/23 has been a difficult year for the UK economy and following the start of the Ukraine war there has been a rapid increase in inflation, especially within the energy sector which is now feeding through into every day essentials.

For the Council the economic pressures have led to a budgeted deficit of £2.87m for the 2023/24 budget, and £10m over the next 5 years. While the pressure for 2023/24 can be funded from reserves, the Council will need to make savings and difficult funding choices will need to be made.

The Government has increased the amount councils can increase council tax by from 1.99% or £5 to 2.99% or £5, however, as Ashford has one of the lowest council tax levels in the county this increase would only permit council tax to be increased by £5.31. The draft budget has assumed a £5 (2.9%) annual increase, this is still well below inflation which is increasing council expenditure.

Residents, businesses and parish councils are invited to have their say on the proposals before the budget is finalised and confirmed in March.

Cllr Neil Shorter, Portfolio holder for Finance and IT, said: “This budget has been developed on the cusp of a recession and during a cost of living crisis which, largely due to rising energy prices, saw inflation hit a 40 year high.

“Rising inflation and interest rate rises are significantly impacting the Council’s financial position, with income streams likely to come under economic pressure, government grant unlikely to increase, and the Council’s cost base rising by inflation. The draft budget for 2023/24 has been created against this backdrop.

“We welcome and will carefully consider comments from anyone who lives or works within Ashford borough on these proposals. Please read the document and let us know if you have any feedback.”