Residents urged to have their say on Council budget proposals
Forest of Dean District Council invites residents and businesses to give their views on its spending plans as it prepares its budget for the next financial year, with a consultation beginning 20 December 2024 and running until 17 January 2025.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Andy Moore, said:
“As with previous years, we have seen significant cuts to our budget, especially amid rising costs and economic pressures. We are expecting these Government cuts to carry on through the coming years, but we want to assure our residents that we are committed to delivering a high-quality service for all.
“Our budget plans will ensure that we continue to strive towards our goal of taking effective action in response to the climate emergency, whilst helping Forest businesses to prosper in a thriving and sustainable local economy. We want our budget to continue to help local community groups to continue to provide innovative services to residents and that teams such as our street wardens can continue to operate effectively.
“This consultation is your chance to share your opinion and ask questions about the proposed budget for 2025/26. If you would like to have your say, please head to our website where you can find all the information you need.”
Forest of Dean District Council is responsible for a number of local services such as waste collection, planning, licensing, housing, parking and leisure, with the county council delivering other services such as maintaining roads, adult social care, education, children’s services and public health.
The District Council receives only 10% of the total council tax bill residents pay, which is split between the district council, county council, police and fire service. Residents can see the exact split in their council tax bill.
To view the Council’s proposal for the 2025/26 budget, visit: https://fdean.gov.uk/budget
To take part in the consultation, please click the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=D1V8cFamLUOscXhDjDDVXcR082a9Gh1HrxZNGTVW2QRURVVXRVI0TlFWRDBXNjE1WEIzMzhGM1RCUCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
The deadline to respond to the consultation is 17 January 2025.
As well as continuing to provide its services for residents, Forest of Dean District Council will also be supporting its Housing, Communities and Local Government projects with the regeneration of Five Acres, the new enterprise education facility at Hartpury University and College and the continued redevelopment of facilities in Cinderford.
To pay for the budget, the Council is proposing to raise council tax by 12p a week for a band D property.