Rushcliffe Independents will tomorrow present an alternative budget for Rushcliffe Borough Council that cuts council tax while also reducing the council’s deficit, demonstrating that careful spending choices can deliver better value for residents.
While the Conservative administration is proposing a council tax freeze, Rushcliffe Independents will put forward a budget that cuts council tax by 0.2% and reduces the deficit compared with the Conservative budget.
Our proposal has been achieved by identifying and removing non-essential spending, ensuring taxpayers’ money is focused on delivering services residents actually need.
Among the savings proposed:
• Ending the councillor catering allowance, which currently covers items such as Christmas mince pies and prosecco at council events.
• Reducing the HR budget by removing non-essential staff perks such as starter breakfasts for new staff and summer events. Why should the taxpayer pay for these?
• Reducing the Rushcliffe Reports magazine from two editions per year to one, saving printing and postage costs while still meeting the council’s communication needs.
• The Rushcliffe Reports publication is not a statutory requirement at its current frequency, and that essential information for residents can easily be communicated in a single annual edition.
Party leader for Rushcliffe Independents, Cllr Ted Birch, said:
“Residents expect their council to spend money carefully, especially when household budgets are under pressure. Our alternative budget shows it is possible to reduce council tax and cut the deficit at the same time by focusing on what really matters.
“Taxpayers should not be paying for mince pies and prosecco for councillors, or for unnecessary perks that don’t improve services for residents.
“By cutting non-essential spending and improving efficiency, we can deliver a council tax cut while putting the council’s finances on a stronger footing.”
Rushcliffe Independents say their budget demonstrates that responsible financial management can protect frontline services while reducing costs for local taxpayers.
The alternative budget will be presented at the Rushcliffe Borough Council budget meeting on Thursday.
