Views sought on Gateshead budget proposals
We have started the budget consultation for 2023/24 and we are asking for local people to give us their views.
We estimate that we will need to find at least £10m in budget savings for 2023-24, with an estimated financial gap of £55m over the next five years.
Our consultation will be seeking views from residents, staff, businesses and partner organisations on the proposals until 9 February 2023.
The budget proposals are a combination of efficiencies and cost reductions, income generation and proposals on how Council services can work differently, with partners across all sectors, to achieve the right outcomes for the people of Gateshead. The proposals have been split into three key areas - business and resources, people and place.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "We're currently working very hard to minimise the impact of our funding gap. However we know that we're going to have to make some incredibly difficult decisions in the coming months to be able to set a balanced budget in February.
"Our funding gap is inevitably bigger than expected because we're being affected by all of the challenges currently facing our own residents, increasing costs, high inflation and recovery from the pandemic just to name a few.
"We have £900 less to spend per resident than we did in 2010 and we expect this to reduce even further to £1,150 over the next five years. Sadly the way local government is funded is unsustainable and the flaws in the system are directly affecting the support that we are able to provide to everyone. The situation is exacerbated by the need to support those in the greatest need.
"It's really important to us to get the views from our local communities so I'd be grateful if people can take the time to share their views with us."
Between now and Thursday 9 February, local people can give their views on the proposals online or by emailing budgetconsultation@gateshead.gov.uk.
Following the public consultation, the budget will be recommended to Council by Cabinet on Tuesday 21 February and considered by full council on 23 February 2022.
We have started the budget consultation for 2023/24 and we are asking for local people to give us their views.
We estimate that we will need to find at least £10m in budget savings for 2023-24, with an estimated financial gap of £55m over the next five years.
Our consultation will be seeking views from residents, staff, businesses and partner organisations on the proposals until 9 February 2023.
The budget proposals are a combination of efficiencies and cost reductions, income generation and proposals on how Council services can work differently, with partners across all sectors, to achieve the right outcomes for the people of Gateshead. The proposals have been split into three key areas - business and resources, people and place.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "We're currently working very hard to minimise the impact of our funding gap. However we know that we're going to have to make some incredibly difficult decisions in the coming months to be able to set a balanced budget in February.
"Our funding gap is inevitably bigger than expected because we're being affected by all of the challenges currently facing our own residents, increasing costs, high inflation and recovery from the pandemic just to name a few.
"We have £900 less to spend per resident than we did in 2010 and we expect this to reduce even further to £1,150 over the next five years. Sadly the way local government is funded is unsustainable and the flaws in the system are directly affecting the support that we are able to provide to everyone. The situation is exacerbated by the need to support those in the greatest need.
"It's really important to us to get the views from our local communities so I'd be grateful if people can take the time to share their views with us."
Between now and Thursday 9 February, local people can give their views on the proposals online or by emailing budgetconsultation@gateshead.gov.uk.
Following the public consultation, the budget will be recommended to Council by Cabinet on Tuesday 21 February and considered by full council on 23 February 2022.
