Council outlines budget proposals for 2019/20

Rossendale Council has outlined its budget plans for the coming year as it continues its efforts to balance the books.

Over the last few years, the Council has been hit by significant cuts to its central government grants.

It has meant the Council has had to generate additional income locally, mainly through increased business rates and Council tax revenue.

The Council tax you pay to Rossendale Borough Council is shared between the borough and county councils, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Police.  As a borough council we retain less than 15p in every pound paid. The majority of your Council tax goes to Lancashire County Council (71p), which has responsibility for social care.

As yet, Lancashire County Council has not revealed its plans but it is assumed that its council tax precept will be increased by the maximum allowed.

In papers released as part of the budget setting process, Rossendale Council is looking to set a budget of about £9m and increase Council tax by 2.99 per cent or setting a Council tax rate for a Band D property of £274.12.

The plans will be discussed by members of the overview and scrutiny committee before being submitted to Cabinet and then  full Council for a final decision.

The Council uses its budget to meet its three priorities: building a more prosperous Rossendale, a cleaner and greener Rossendale and a healthier and more vibrant Rossendale.

Councillor Andrew Walmsley, portfolio holder for resources, said:

“Rossendale like all councils across the country have been badly hit by funding cuts and we have had to make some really tough decisions to balance the books.

“Cuts in core funding from government mean we will continue to have to make tough decisions such as raising council tax. It’s not a decision we take lightly. It’s worth remembering less than 15 per cent of what people pay in council tax goes to Rossendale Council. That’s less than 15p in every pound paid. This equates to an average of £3.29 per week per household.

“This pays for things like collecting bins, tackling fly tipping, maintaining and making our parks better, improving housing, developing the economy, planning, public protection and working with community groups and others to make a real difference to the borough.

“Despite the challenges we face, we will continue to deliver good quality services and projects which will benefit the borough. I truly believe there are exciting times ahead. We will continue to fight for funding and investment for our town centres, deliver big projects like Spinning Point and continue working with partners to improve the borough we love.”

If you have any feedback about the proposals please get in touch either by writing to the Head of Finance at Room 211, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, OL13 0BB or emailing budget@rossendalebc.gov.uk