Our initial Budget Conversation survey (winter 2023) is now closed.
Thanks to everyone that took part and shared their views.
Your feedback is being used to shape how and where we prioritise our spending, and how we deliver our services in the future. A summary of the views we received can be viewed below.
The budget challenges we face are not short-term and will continue over the coming years – and we are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for people to have their say.
You can use the general Budget Conversation comment form below to submit any further comments or ideas you may wish to share and register your interest to take part in future engagement and / or consultation opportunities.
This page will also be updated with information about specific engagement and / or consultation opportunities about any proposals to review the way we run specific services.
Budget Conversation Report 2023
Information gathered during the Budget Conversation, including comments and individual submissions, are being used to inform proposals and key decisions about the way our services are delivered in the future.
The results have been summarised in the Budget Conversation Report 2023, which is available below.
Error loading Partial View script (file: ~/Views/MacroPartials/DocumentList.cshtml)Our budget challenge – background information
Like local authorities across the country, the council is facing extreme pressures on our budgets, due to a variety of factors outside of our control.
These include exceptionally high inflation, rising demand for our services caused by the cost-of-living crisis, falling income, and the long-term financial impact of the pandemic.
This is against the backdrop of significantly reduced Government funding, which is already less than half of what we received in 2010.
Over the coming year we are forecasting budget shortfalls stretching into the millions – currently standing at almost £4 million for 2024/25 and, without significant Government intervention, are expected to rise in future years.
We’ve already done a significant amount of work to review our services and cut costs, while protecting the essential services that local people rely on.
There is much more to do, now and in future years – and unfortunately some difficult decisions lie ahead.
You may find the more detailed background information in our Budget Conversation Brochure (below) useful, in understanding how the council is funded and where our budgets are currently spent – along with more information about the services that we have responsibility for.
Having your say
Our initial Budget Conversation survey (winter 2023) was the start of a long-term conversation with our communities to understand what matters most to you.
Thanks to everyone who has taken part and shared your views. Your feedback has been used to shape how and where we prioritise our spending, and how we deliver our services in the future.
You can use the general Budget Conversation comment form below to submit any further comments or ideas you may wish to share.
Other engagement and / or consultation activities on budget proposals
Some of our engagement exercises will be targeted at specific customer groups or stakeholders, but you can use the Budget Conversation comment form if you would like to provide feedback on these topics as they come forward.
Request an alternative format
If you would like a copy of any information in an alternative format please contact: policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk