Plymouth City Council forced to make millions of pounds in savings

Plymouth: The council is in a bit of a pickle, needing to save £13.4 million this year. They’re really feeling the squeeze, especially when it comes to social care services.

They’ve put together a draft budget for 2025/26, which they say will keep “hundreds” of services running despite the financial strain. It’s a tough balancing act.

One of the biggest challenges is caring for the elderly and supporting vulnerable families. These services take up a huge chunk of the council’s budget, about three-quarters of it!

The draft budget does set aside some extra cash for the most vulnerable, plus it aims to tackle things like potholes and grass cutting, which residents really care about.

But here’s the kicker: they’re banking on those £13.4 million savings happening. Half of that will come from not filling vacant jobs and trimming unused budgets.

Luckily, the council got a bit of a boost from the government’s funding settlement, which included a new recovery grant and extra money for social care. That’s a relief!

The budget is part of a longer-term plan to stabilize finances while still aiming high for the city’s future. They’ve got a big capital program lined up, too, with plans for a net-zero city and improvements to the waterfront.

Council leader Tudor Evans mentioned it’s been a tough road, but they’re finally in a position to recommend a balanced budget. It’s all about keeping those essential services running.

He also pointed out that while the government’s support is a step in the right direction, there’s still a lot of work to do. Rising costs in social care and other areas are ongoing challenges.

Despite the hurdles, there’s a sense of optimism. They believe that with careful planning, they can keep delivering what the city needs. The draft budget will be reviewed soon, with a final decision coming on February 24.