Council finances 'Budget is sustainable - but remains exposed to risk'

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council leaders have warned of more financial pain ahead amid criticism of their proposed annual budget.

- Adam POSTANS Local Democracy Reporter

But the Lib Dem/Labour administration says the authority, unlike several others in crisis across the country, is not heading for bankruptcy. They were grilled by the cross-party scrutiny commission over their spending plans for 2026/27 on Wednesday, January 28, with the draft budget due to be confirmed at cabinet last night and then recommended to full council next week.

Some of the most controversial proposals, such as higher charges for meals on wheels, were debated at the scrutiny meeting, with opposition Conservatives on the attack and the ruling coalition defending the plans.

Tory group leader Cllr Liz Brennan asked how a 19 per cent increase in garden waste collection fees from £63 to £75 could be justified.

She said: "In February 2024 the administration said any future increases in the fee would be in line with inflation, but this proposed rise is way over inflation.

"What has gone wrong?"