Even maximum council tax increase would not be enough

AUTHORITY FACES £6.4M BUDGET GAP ASSUMING RESIDENTS ARE HIT WITH 4.99% RISE

- By HANNAH BROWN Local democracy reporter

Cllr Lucy Nethsingha

(CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL)

EVEN if it introduces a maximum council tax increase Cambridgeshire County Council has said it is still currently facing a £6.4 million budget gap next year.

The authority is still waiting to hear how much money it will receive from the central government to provide services in the area.

The county council is responsible for a number of services, including road repairs, education, and social care. Councils are required to set a balanced budget each year.

Michael Hudson, executive director finance and resources, told a county council meeting this week (December 11) that the authority had identified £72m of "pressures" that needed to be funded.

He explained that with savings already planned and the maximum 4.99 per cent increase of the county council's share of council tax, that would still leave the authority short £6.4m for the 2026/27 financial year.

Mr Hudson said: "We are awaiting the government's provisional settlement.

"I welcome the fact that it is going to cover a three year period, but I regret the lateness again and the uncertainty around the dedicated school's grant high needs position. I will be updating councillors as a result of the settlement when it is released.