Price rises at leisure centres and dimmer streetlights are among £7.5 million of budget cuts being proposed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Council leaders say only £1.1 million of the planned cuts will affect front-line services, a much lower amount than in previous years.
These 10 individual savings proposals will now be subject to a public consultation – another £6.4 million of ‘non-consult’ savings will impact on back office functions.
While the amount of savings in the budget is relatively low, the council is also asking the government for another £16.8 million of ‘exceptional financial support’ (EFS), having previously received £42.2 million last year. EFS is effectively permission from government to borrow money in order to balance the budget, which would normally not be allowed. Without the EFS, the city council would need to find another £11 million of savings in 2025/26.
Here is a rundown of the proposed budget cuts which will be subject to public consultation.
Responsive streetlighting provision, with dimming where it is practical and safe to do so
The council says similar measures have been implemented successfully elsewhere, and that it will take into account community safety when dimming selected streetlights overnight. As well as energy savings, this will result in reduced carbon emissions and an extended lifespan for lighting infrastructure. Expected saving: £100,000 a year.
A new annual administration charge for adult social care self-funders who use the council’s brokerage service
The consultation document justifies this new charge by saying that the affected individuals currently benefit from receiving care from providers who are subject to regular quality assurance, as well as rates which are often much lower than those charged for private clients. Expected saving: £75,000 a year.
Reduce demand for adult social care formal assessments through improved advice and guidance, digital solutions and community lounges
The council says this will mean increased independence for individuals as well as freeing up capacity in the care market. Expected saving: £230,000 a year.
Accelerate provision and use of extra care housing as an alternative to residential care – Expected saving: £220,000 a year.
Income generation from leisure and wellbeing services, and public protection The council says that any proposals to increase prices will take into account competitor pricing and current demand, and will allow the authority to keep services running. Expected saving: £297,000 a year.
Transfer of New Horizons Leisure Centre, in Chell, to Ormiston Academy on a long-term lease. This will result in staffing savings, but the council says that the terms of the lease will ensure services, including the swimming pool, will be retained for community use. Expected saving: £69,000 a year.
New Horizon Sports and Leisure Centre in Chell.
New pet garden of remembrance at Carmountside and sale of pet memorialisation items for the garden and home – Expected saving: £3,000 a year.
Review indoor market provision to stimulate economic growth The council says the public’s experience of the market will improve, and there will be a ‘more flexible approach’ to facilities management. Expected saving: £35,000 a year.
Partnership working with local charities to improve recycling rates This will include diverting furniture collections to a local charity. Expected saving: £20,000 a year.
Change to weedkilling service The council says the service will still be delivered to the same standard. Expected saving: £40,000 a year.
Council leader Jane Ashworth claimed that potentially controversial budget proposals such as the dimming of streetlights were the result of government austerity cuts.
She said: “This is evidence of the state the nation is in after 14 years of austerity. The fact we’re even talking about this is emblematic of bad state management. Be assured though, where conversations of the police tell us that it’s not a good idea to dim streetlights in a certain area, then we won’t do it.”
The budget consultation will run until February 10. Residents can have their say by visiting stoke.gov.uk/budget2025. They can also write to Budget 2025, c/o Executive Assistant to the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer), Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke ST4 1HH.
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