Do you think Rochford District Council should spend less, the same, or more on maintaining parks and open spaces? Is the Council using its assets to maximise the benefits to the community important to you? Or do you agree or disagree that the Council should increase commercial activity to make money that can be used to fund local services?
These are some of the questions that the Council is asking residents and businesses before it sets its budget for 2025/26.
Every year, Rochford District Council has to set a budget that balances spending on services within its available resources. The Council would like your views on how it spends its money and how it might raise more money to help set a balanced budget with increasing costs and reduced Government funding.
Councillor James Newport, Leader of Rochford District Council and Chair of Finance & Strategy Committee said, “Just 12% of the Council Tax our residents pay each year comes to Rochford District Council. As demand for council services continues to increase, and the cost of providing those services increases – we want to ensure our priorities match those we serve.
“I hope as many people as possible will use this survey as an opportunity to have their say and let us know which services are important to them to help us set a balanced budget. The survey, also asks for people’s views on our new Corporate Priorities and whether they align with those of our residents and businesses.”
To have your say in our Budget Survey visit www.rochford.gov.uk/budgetsurvey
Alternatively, paper copies of the survey are available at the council’s offices in South Street and reception at the Mill Arts & Events Centre in Rayleigh. Or residents can complete the consultation over the phone with one of our customer advisors or residents can request a paper copy by calling us on 01702 546366 or by emailing budgetconsultation@rochford.gov.uk
Feedback from the survey will be used by councillors to consider the re-alignment of the Corporate Plan as they set the council budget and council tax for 2025/26.
The survey closes on Tuesday 19 November 2024