The rubber stamp came down on Nottinghamshire County Council’s 2015/16 budget last night after an 11 hour meeting at County Hall.
A 1.99% rise in Council Tax is part of the new budget, with more than £30m worth of savings being made over the next year.
Last night’s drawn-out meeting came to a close at 9.35pm after a casting vote from the chairman of the full council saw the Labour administration’s proposals go through. The initial vote was a neck and neck tie, with 33 councillors voting for, and 33 voting against.
Of the £30m savings that will be carried out, more than £20m will come from social care and young people’s services.
The budget reductions come as central government austerity cuts have seen a reduction in the authority’s funding for the next year. A move that, according to the current Labour administration at the council, has left them facing serious challenges.
Tax increase
Conservative members of the council criticised the Labour administration’s plan to increase Council Tax, however Labour leaders said that the rise will provide £5.7m more funding.
“Local Government has bore the brunt of government cuts since 2010,” said Councillor David Kirkham, speaking at yesterday’s meeting.
“It goes without saying that every local authority across the country is facing similar challenges.
“We believe we have little choice but to ask Nottinghamshire residents to pay a little bit more for the services they receive.”
County Hall, the home of Nottinghamshire County Council.
