Kent County Council is seeking suggestions from residents on fund allocation for the upcoming financial year due to a projected £50 million shortfall for 2026-27. The council acknowledges the need to make difficult financial decisions and aims to hear residents' views on protecting services and generating additional income. Financial struggles stem from years of reduced funding and increasing costs, particularly in adult social care and special needs transport. The council is focused on achieving financial stability through reviews of high-cost areas and waste identification.
The Reform UK-led authority announced it is facing a shortfall of £50 million for the 2026-27 financial period, necessitating difficult money-saving decisions.
The council is asking residents to suggest how funds could be spent, which services to protect, and ideas for generating more income amid a financial crisis.
With a population of 1.6 million, Kent County Council receives about £2.6 billion but has a net income of only £1.4 billion, complicating their budget management.
Deputy leader Brian Collins emphasized the need for financial stability and mentioned efforts to identify areas of waste and reassess high costs within the council.
#kent-county-council #financial-shortfall #public-consultation #local-authority-budget #community-services
Collection
[
|
...
]