We have launched a consultation on our budget proposals for 2023-24.
The proposals focus on protecting key frontline services and investment in the services to support our most vulnerable children and adults and sustaining the capacity to deliver our ambitions for growth. However, previously agreed savings must continue to be delivered and new savings achieved, Council tax must increase in line with the Government’s own assumptions and the Council will have to use an unprecedented level of reserves - £28.4m in order to balance the budget. This situation cannot be sustained beyond the short-term.
The financial climate is extremely challenging. Like councils across the country, Bradford faces soaring inflation and mounting demand for services particularly in social care. Additional Government grants to help councils during the COVID-19 pandemic have ended, but the extra demand and loss of income resulting from the virus continues. This is all at a time when the cost of living crisis is putting our residents, businesses and voluntary and community organisations under huge stress.
