Councillor Jonathan Owen, Leader of East Riding Council has put community empowerment at the heart of the Conservative group budget. Delivering the plan to a special meeting of the Council, Cllr Owen said we must learn the lessons of the pandemic when delivering council services.
He said that people had shown their metal during the pandemic and in return, “it’s no longer good enough for councils to simply tell local communities what they need. From now on, the council will listen more and work closely with communities to recognise their priorities and unlock their strengths”.
Whilst also announcing wide-ranging funding measures for adult social care, supporting the local economy and more money for children’s services, he said that “residents’ health and well-being relied on community services working to support their needs”.
His words were welcomed by local residents and community groups on social media who said that it was a positive move and welcomed the recognition of how communities had come together. Beverley resident and local volunteer Joanna Melton said “it’s positive to see the council working with communities and community groups to empower them as they are the one’s who know what is going on in their local areas and who came together during covid, we welcome this approach”
Councillor Owen began his speech by saying that this was his 23rd budget as leader or deputy leader of East Riding Council and budget decisions have never been more in focus. The councillor paid tribute to those who had died during the pandemic and all of those who had suffered its effects. He acknowledged how communities had come together to identify and provide what was needed and that this model of working was now a priority for his administration.
During the budget speech, he also announced a further £1m towards the council’s climate change plan to help the council to reduce its carbon footprint. This, he said was on the back of £0.5 investment in recycling and the replacement of street lights across the East Riding with LED bulbs. He also said that supporting local businesses and high streets remained a high priority.
The council leader said that East Riding Council has a turnover of nearly £1Bn and provides over 600 services to over 300,00 people. He acknowledges a number of financial pressures including on adult social care where government funding was not even “enough to maintain a basic level of service”, and for this, he was proposing a 3.99% increase in council tax for local residents saying that on average those in a band B property which makes up most of the East Riding will see a rise of £4.50 per month.
Further measures announced included £2.5m to enhance the huge East Riding road gritting service which will now start in the early morning rather than the evening. This he said will provide peace of mind to motorists commuting on local roads.
Councillor Owen also announced a further 100 council backed electric vehicle charging points to be installed over the next year and a significant investment in the local school’s music service plus an increase in the amount available for the resident’s hardship fund to help those struggling with the cost of living.
Altogether there were over 50 proposals in the East Riding budget which can be seen in full on East Riding Council’s website.
The councillor signed off the budget saying that despite the challenges “this year will be a progressive and exciting year for our residents as we rebuild our confidence in East Riding as a place to live, work and thrive”