Our Cabinet has published its responses to the 2023/24 budget consultation after considering feedback on the proposals. The proposals will be considered at this evening’s Cabinet meeting and can be viewed on our Cabinet meeting webpage (agenda item 7). 

Cabinet is proposing a balanced Revenue Budget of £131 million for 2023/24 and a 2023/24 Capital Plan of £90 million for the Council’s consideration on 7 March 2023.

As part of the budget consultation process, a range of feedback was received on the draft proposals through an online questionnaire, participation in the Ask Us Facebook Live session and by responses and comments made on social media posts. The Overview and Scrutiny Board also reviewed the proposals and made recommendations.

Torbay residents supported most of the proposals put forward, and in response to feedback some changes have been made to the initial proposals. These include the following:

• In recognition of the current economic climate which may impact sponsorship levels, additional money will be allocated to support the delivery of the English Riviera Airshow.
• Admiral Swimming Pool in Brixham and Swim Torquay will each receive a £12,000 towards their ongoing costs.
• £100,000 will support new role within the council which will be focussed on improving Torbay’s town centres to meet the council’s ambitions.
• £50,000 for additional resources to support the Planning Service especially around enforcement and heritage works.
• £3million borrowing facility within the Capital Plan for community-led affordable housing schemes which will enable local organisations to buy and improve properties for affordable housing.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council said; “Thank you to everyone who took the time to look at the proposals and provide feedback. The priority for our partnership administration is delivering a balanced budget that ensures we can serve and support communities and make Torbay a good place to live in, enjoy and invest in.

“The changes we have made to the initial proposals allow us to support more people that mean we can deliver our ambition of building a stronger, safer, fairer Torbay.”

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said; “The financial management of the organisation over recent years means that this budget contains no reductions in services – this is despite the government only providing a one-year settlement and the continuing uncertainty about local government funding.

“Our proposals are wide-ranging that do take into account the external financial challenges as well as ensuring we deliver on our ambition of a thriving Torbay.

“We will continue to work with our community partners to support our residents whether that be through signposting to services or ensuring everyone has the opportunity to know about our work and has opportunities to be involved in shaping the future of Torbay.”

The Cabinet’s final budget proposals will be considered at the Meeting of the Council being held on 7 March 2023 when the budget will be decided, and the Council Tax levels will be set. This will include the precepts from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner and for Brixham Town Council, with an overall Council Tax for Torbay being set.

Details of the meetings when the budget proposals will be discussed are available on monthly calendar of meetings page.