Time is running out to have your say on a review of adult care packages, as part of Derby City Council’s budget consultation for 2024/25.
More people over 85 and more people under 65 with complex needs require our help to live at home or in a supported setting, and the cost of providing care is increasing. Residents can give their views about People Services proposals until Wednesday 7 February on the Let’s Talk Derby website.
Details of these proposals can be viewed with the consultation at letstalk.derby.gov.uk/budget2024. Paper copies can be downloaded and printed for return by post. Copies in alternative formats are available by emailing letstalkderby@derby.gov.uk or contacting us.
Derby City Council is proposing a balanced budget for 2024/25, which would be achieved through proposed reductions to some services, continued transformation of services to manage demand and be more efficient, and by using our maximum allowance of Council Tax, which is assumed in the Government calculations of how much money we have.
This is against the background of challenging times for councils throughout the country, with increasing demand for services which are costing more to provide due to economic factors such as high inflation and interest rates.
Last week central Government announced a further £600 million of funding for the local government sector for 2024/25, however the Local Government Association estimate that £6 billion of investment is required to enable Councils to deliver the services they are supposed to do.
The Council is assessing what impact this additional funding will have on its budget for the next financial year, what new burdens are associated with the funding and how long the funding is for. The final local government funding settlement is expected to be confirmed in the next two weeks.
Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Governance and Finance, said:
These are difficult times financially for councils but we need to make sure our services stay effective for the people who need them the most. If you receive care from us at home, or you’re a carer or family member of someone who does, we want to hear from you.