Cornwall Council Approves Budget: What It Means for You

Cornwall Council has approved its budget for 2025/26, securing funding for frontline services while addressing ongoing financial pressures.

Council Tax Increase and Service Protection

As part of the budget, residents will see a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, which includes a 2% levy earmarked for adult social care. Despite financial challenges, the council has withdrawn three proposed savings, including plans to reduce Household Waste Recycling Centre opening hours.

The budget also provides an extra £22 million for adult and children’s care services, reflecting rising demand and costs.

Financial Challenges Facing Local Authorities

Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for resources, Cllr David Harris, described this budget as the toughest yet, stating:

“To get to the original balanced budget that we presented to Cabinet in November involved asking services to find £47 million in savings on top of everything that had been asked for in previous years, and then of course we got the additional ‘smack in the face’ when Government announced the funding settlements for 2025/26.”

Harris pointed to a growing financial crisis in local government, highlighting that 30 councils across the country have required Exceptional Financial Support from the Government, totalling £1.4 billion. Last year, only 19 councils were in the same position, raising concerns about the sustainability of local government funding.

However, Harris reassured councillors that Cornwall Council is not among those 30 councils, crediting sound financial management despite increasing pressures.

Budget Approved After Debate

Following a detailed debate, councillors approved the budget by majority, ensuring it will now be implemented.

Speaking after the meeting, Harris acknowledged the difficulties in balancing the books but emphasised that changes had been made based on public consultation and councillor feedback.

“This may not have been the budget I would have liked to have been presenting in an ideal world, but, as I think all of my colleagues would agree, no one could have foreseen the ongoing and unprecedented demand for services over the past four years, largely triggered by the pandemic.”

He added that, despite the financial strain, Cornwall Council has continued to invest in the county’s future while meeting legal obligations.

With the budget now set, Cornwall residents will see how these financial decisions shape local services over the coming year.