In the news: Councillors to propose ambitious package of investments for 2023/24
Money for play parks, community centres and important investment in renewing local estates. Councillors will discuss these and other investment proposals at a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday 23 February 2023, following provisional approval of the annual budget by the Cabinet on Thursday 9 February 2023.
Over the past 12 months there has been significant rises in inflation, causing everyday essentials - food, fuel, utilities and more - to cost much more than they did a year ago. The invasion of Ukraine has added to that burden, impacting global supply chains and greatly impacting daily lives. The council is not immune to these challenges, enduring a squeeze on the cost of the critical services we provide.
Despite these national and international financial challenges, Councillors are able to propose a balanced budget for 2023/24 - a budget which minimises the impact on resident's wallets as far as possible without impacting critical services.
The proposed budget includes an ambitious package of investment for 2023:
£40 million investment into our estates to revive tired neighbourhoods, making them fit for life in the 21st Century and enabling communities to thrive.
£6.6 million for a new pool for Pitsea, improving access to physical activity for more of our communities.
£5.6 million on making tenants homes greener as we strive toward becoming a net zero council by 2030, and a net zero borough by 2050.
£1 million continued investment in Laindon Community Centre, giving this vital community asset the support it needs to flourish.
£0.9 million into play areas as we continue to fund on-going projects that are bringing play areas, skate parks and more improvements across the borough for families to enjoy.
£0.4 million on keeping the community safe, investing in more CCTV, community wardens and a new enforcement contract to tackle the issues that matter to you.
Councillor Stuart Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Resources and Commercial said: "We want Basildon to be home to healthy and active local communities, that offer safe neighbourhoods, towns, parks and open spaces. These investment proposals are key to unlocking that potential, as we continue to put residents at the heart of everything we do."
"We will continue to seek views as we move forward - consulting on a number of projects and policies to better understand how they will impact our residents."
Full details of the proposed investments can be found on our website: Basildon Council - Agenda for Council on Thursday, 23rd February, 2023, 7.00 p.m. (basildonmeetings.info)
ENDS
Published Wednesday 15 February 2023