Labour-led Norwich City Council presents 2021-22 budget
At tonight’s meeting of Norwich City Council full council, the leading Labour Group presented its budget plans for 2021-22.
Once again, Labour-led Norwich City Council has been able to present a balanced budget which avoids cuts to frontline services at a time when residents need them most. This is despite the ongoing pressure on the council’s budget as a result of a local government funding system which is not fit for purpose, and the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
The budget is also able to propose close to £70m of capital investment for the next financial year. This includes investment to build homes, improve existing ones, upgrade the city centre, support new skills and jobs, new environmental efficiency measures and more.
You can watch the full meeting on Norwich City Council’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-gBjcWUEZQ
In his speech proposing the budget, Cllr Paul Kendrick, cabinet member for resources, said:
“This is not a budget of cutbacks. It is a budget of investment. Investment in our assets. Investment in our services and investment in the people of Norwich.
Even against a backdrop of severe Government cuts to the revenue support councils receive (indeed, we have been one of the worst hit councils in the country), and the challenges poised by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Labour is presenting a balanced budget which protects frontline services which residents are relying on more than ever.
“To present a budget which maintains services and offers investment despite the challenging backdrop is a great achievement, but Labour councillors were clear throughout the meeting how much more the Council could be doing with extra powers and support from the Government.
From removing uncertainties, to policy changes and of course giving councils the proper funding they need: cabinet members and councillors had a number of reasonable and essential asks of the Government. I’ll be supporting them in getting these asks heard in Parliament and in campaigning to make these changes a reality.”