In a letter to the Chancellor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Richard Smith MVO, highlights that public funding is not keeping pace with the demand for public services, particularly in areas like children’s and adult care which now account for 77 pence of every £1 Suffolk County Council spends.
Cllr Smith notes that, despite significant savings achieved by the council over the last five years, the budget gap has grown unsustainably and calls on the Chancellor to address the funding crisis and spare residents from the need for steep council tax increases.
Cllr Smith writes:
“We accept fully how demand for funding for public services is universal, with all eyes looking towards the Treasury for urgent financial relief. Local Government, and with it, Suffolk County Council, is a critical part of that demand – with vital frontline public services struggling to cope with ever increasing demand, rising costs and diminishing financial resources.”
Cllr Smith says the council endorses submissions made by the Local Government Association, County Councils Network and Society of County Treasurers, each calling for urgent action to safeguard public services.
Cllr Smith continues:
“The council feels it essential that the pressures facing local authorities are fully recognised by government and reflected in the local government settlement. It would be of great concern if, instead, the government chooses to lift the council tax referendum limit and pass the cost to local residents.
“We eagerly anticipate your Autumn Budget statement on Wednesday and trust that, however challenging, you will back local government with the financial resources it needs to continue to provide vital public services.”
