The big picture: The council is facing critical funding issues as demand for services continues to rise while public funding struggles to keep pace.
Why it matters: Rising costs for adult and children's care services are putting pressure on council finances, so the council must find new ways to fund essential services. Residents' feedback will help shape decisions on service priorities and Council Tax rates.
Key details:
The consultation opens on Friday, 1 November
It runs until Monday, 16 December 2024
Responses will inform the final budget in February 2025
Results will be included in the final budget report
What they're saying: "Despite these challenges, we are committed to prioritising support for our most vulnerable residents, but this does mean that we continue to face difficult decisions about the other services we deliver," said Cllr Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance.
Between the lines: While additional government funding has been announced for local government, the council says it won't know Suffolk's allocation until later in the year, creating uncertainty in the budget planning process.
How to participate: Residents, businesses and other community groups can share their views through an online survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025_26_budget
