Like local authorities across the country, the council is facing extreme pressures on our budgets, due to a variety of factors outside of our control.
These include exceptionally high inflation, rising demand for our services caused by the cost-of-living crisis, falling income, and the long-term financial impact of the pandemic.
This is against the backdrop of significantly reduced Government funding, which is already less than half of what we received in 2010.
Over the coming year we are forecasting budget shortfalls stretching into the millions – currently standing at almost £4 million for 2024/25 and, without significant Government intervention, are expected to rise in future years.
We’ve already done a significant amount of work to review our services and cut costs, while protecting the essential services that local people rely on.
There is much more to do, now and in future years – and unfortunately some difficult decisions lie ahead.
Help us shape the future of our services
Our Budget Conversation is the start of a long-term conversation with our communities to understand what matters most to you.
Please take part in a short survey and answer a series of broad questions about where and how you think we could prioritise making budget savings and should focus our spending.
It will only take a few minutes to complete, and your views will help shape our services in the future.
Before you take part in the survey, you may find it helpful to look through the background information below.
The survey will close on Friday 15 December 2023. After this date the webpage will remain open for general feedback and will provide links to other relevant consultation and engagement activities.
If you would like a copy of any information, or the survey, in an alternative format please contact: policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk
Background information
