South Ribble Borough Council has opened a consultation on the budget proposals for the new financial year starting in April 2021.

The council wants residents to have their say on how their money is spent and urge all residents across the borough to share their views.

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The pandemic has had an impact on the council’s budgets and income and while Government expects councils to increase Council Tax up to a maximum of 1.99%, South Ribble Borough Council has proposed to freeze rates this year.

The freeze on rates is set to have no detrimental impact on council services and still means funding of other vital projects across the borough can continue.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “The last 12 months have been some of the toughest we’ve had to endure in recent history and as a council we have been doing all we can – using our resources and budgets – to support our residents and businesses through the challenges.

“Our South Ribble Together community hub, holiday hunger initiatives and our business support team have been working flat out to make sure that we can support everyone in the borough and we will continue to do so as long as our community needs us.

“For this reason, we absolutely cannot add a further financial burden to our residents at such a critical time.

“This proposed budget is balanced and realistic considering the impacts of the pandemic. Not only can we ensure all our services will be unaffected, we are able to fund vital projects over the next year which will see many improvements to the borough.

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“As always, we’re looking forward to hearing all of your thoughts on the proposals and how you want us to spend your money over the next year.”

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Finance said, “The council has worked hard to support residents during the pandemic and this proposed budget will allow us to sustain vital services and ensure a strong recovery by investing in neighbourhoods and communities.

“This is your chance to influence how the budget is spent on the things that affect you and your community.

“Project and investment areas for residents to choose their preferences for include: Covid-recovery business support, improving play areas, Leyland town centre and local area improvement projects along with support for young people and vulnerable children, leisure centres and community facilities.

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“I encourage everyone to have their say and put their views and ideas forward.”

All residents and businesses are invited to have their say by choosing which projects are important to them, their thoughts on the council tax freeze and can also submit their own suggestions.

The draft proposals and consultation survey can be found here and is open until 14 February.

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