North Tyneside Council Budget Engagement 2021- 2022

This is your chance to have your say on the priorities that matter to you. We are seeking your views on the initial budget proposals for 2021/22.

The council continues to operate in a very difficult financial climate and is dealing with multiple spending pressures as well as additional costs related to the COVID19 pandemic. 

The council is drawing up its initial budget proposals in the face of continued uncertainty over future Government funding.  The Chancellor’s announcement confirmed the delay in key reforms to local government funding and these continued delays make longer term financial planning for the authority very difficult.

Amid significant uncertainty around the pandemic and future funding, the proposed budget for 2021/22 aims to support North Tyneside’s economic recovery, maintain and improve services, and drive forward the council’s ambitions in the coming year. The budget setting is guided by the priorities in the Our North Tyneside Plan 2020-2024, which was approved by residents, businesses and organisations across the borough in last year’s budget.

The updated financial plan indicates that we need an extra £6.370m for the coming year and around £56m across the next four years. This figure is in advance of any increases to Council Tax rates.

The Government, in its assessment has assumed that councils will increase Council Tax by 1.99% and the Social Care Precept (money that can help cover social care cost only) by 3.00% and even with this there will still be a gap in funding. 
The authority therefore would like to continue with its efficiencies of last year and look at making more by examining its approach to different aspects of its business.
No final decisions have been made and the engagement process will seek to gain as many views, ideas and proposals as possible from residents and businesses across North Tyneside.

Please watch the film and then complete the questionnaire.