'I am proud that we're delivering a balanced budget'

COUNCIL leaders say they have set a balanced budget while continuing to protect important frontline services and invest in key areas - despite financial pressures on local government.

- By EVA MILLETT

Staffordshire County Council plans to keep tax increases lower than many other areas, proposing a 3.99 per cent rise, which is less than the Government's expected level of 4.99 per cent.

Martin Murray, below, acting leader of the authority, vowed to press on with ambitious plans to “make the county the beating heart of the country”.

He said: “As our plans prove today, we are a well-run, financially sound county council and, despite the huge financial pressures on local government, we are committed to keeping our promises to do more for this great county and the residents and businesses we serve.”

At a meeting of the council's cabinet on Wednesday, January 14, to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026-2031, members heard spending plans include: