Have your say on our 2022/23 Budget

As part of the annual budget setting process, West Devon Borough Council would like to engage with businesses on the Council’s Budget Proposals for the next financial year. The Hub Committee have recommended the 2022/23 Budget Proposals to the Full Council meeting.

The Council would like to capture the views of businesses electronically (as we did last year) and we have designed a short questionnaire for this purpose.

We would be grateful if you could spare five minutes to share your thoughts. The survey will close on Monday 14th February and the results will be shared with all Councillors.

Key Points on the 2022/23 Budget Proposals in West Devon

West Devon Borough Council is currently forecasting a £0.45m budget gap by 2023/24.

In line with this year, the Council will receive no Revenue Support Grant (Government grant) in 2022/23 and the Council will need to be self-sufficient. Since 2009/10 the Council’s core government funding has reduced by £3 million.

Councillors have developed the Budget Proposals for 2022-23 and attached below is a link to the Hub Committee Report of 1 February 2022 (Item 7 – Draft Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals for 2022/23).

http://mg.swdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=221&MId=1667&Ver=4 


 

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* 1. Budget Proposals for 2022/23 
The budget is focused on continuing to deliver core services.

In recognition of the housing challenges within the Borough, the Council is recommending putting additional money aside of £172,084 for Affordable Housing to help address this local need.

In addition it is proposed that a further £162,850 is transferred into a Financial Stability Reserve to meet any future financial pressures from future local government funding reforms.

The Council would like to seek your views on its budget proposals

Do you support the recommendations to the Council meeting in February? Please let us know your views.

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* 2. Broadband
The Council has employed a Community Digital Specialist for two years (shared with South Hams District Council). The role will be to improve digital connectivity and broadband coverage across West Devon. Is this a priority for your business and do you support how the Council is addressing this?

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* 3. Budget Strategy
Please provide any comments that you would like Councillors to consider when setting the Council’s budget and/or future strategy.

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