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The council’s leadership team and Executive have worked closely to develop a series of measures and spending controls to reduce costs in order to balance the books by the end of the financial year.
Executive heard today that mitigation plans put in place have increased the amount of savings proposed to £16.1m. This means the current forecast gap between our income and expenditure stands at £8.5m.
Providing statutory individual care and support packages to more younger adults and older people than in previous years, particularly those in supported living accommodation, is contributing to this pressure.
The council is also supporting more children and young people, including those with complex needs, both in our care and as well as within the community.
Efforts continue across both children and adult services to ensure the support provided to residents achieves best value for the council, whilst still meeting the assessed need of the individual. This is being managed through a series of care related panels led by social care professionals.
Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Bell said:
“Like many of our neighbouring authorities, as well as councils across the country, urgent work is under way in order for us to balance our 2024/25 budget and address growing pressures for future years after a significant increase in demand and cost for council services, particularly in children and adult services.
“After years of austerity, government funding has not kept pace with increasing costs and rising demand. We are continuing to take measures to address the remaining £8.5m gap including releasing budget contingency funding earlier than ever before, stringent controls for all spend and considering all saving options. However, we are also calling on the government to take action and stand up for councils during their Autumn statement. Councils urgently need more funding, particularly to help the rising tide of support needed in adult and children services.”
The council is committed to engaging and consulting with residents and stakeholders to both raise awareness of the council’s budget position and to ensure residents and stakeholders can give their views.
The council will shortly be announcing a series of engagement opportunities through online surveys, face to face meetings and resident focus groups. Community views will help inform the budget development. The next update will be presented at the Executive meeting on Wednesday 4 December.
It is anticipated that the council will share details of proposed savings plans in December ahead of final budget decisions in February 2025.