The Labour-run council in Peterborough has unveiled its proposed budget for the coming year, and some of the changes could significantly impact both residents and businesses across the city.
Among the key proposals are:
Council Tax Increase – Labour councillors are considering raising council tax by at least 4.99%, with a potential hike of up to 9.99%. For a Band D property, this could mean an increase of £166 annually, hitting families and local businesses hard.
Cuts to Local Services – To balance the books, the Labour administration is proposing cuts to vital community services:
- Museum & Gallery: Reduced opening times, impacting the city's art and culture scene.
- Libraries: A dramatic reduction in the number of libraries from 10 down to just 3, restricting access to educational resources and community spaces.
- Cafes: Closure of cafés at key facilities such as the Lido, Flag Fen, Vivacity Premier Fitness, and the Museum & Art Gallery.
- Lido Closure: ‘Mothballing’ the Lido, jeopardizing this historic and much-loved venue, which not only offers leisure opportunities but also brings in tourists, benefiting local businesses.
Deteriorating Infrastructure – With proposed cuts to highway maintenance, we could see roads begin to deteriorate, and the annual spring clean, which keeps the city's parks and roads tidy, could be scrapped.
Community and Funding Reductions – Plans to cut funding for local community programmes and reduce the Community Leadership Fund would leave some of our most vulnerable residents without crucial support.
The Future of Peterborough – With higher taxes and reduced services, the business environment in Peterborough could also suffer, leading to less growth and fewer opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The council is seeking public feedback on these proposals, and we want to hear from you. What do you think about these potential changes to our city?
You have until 14 January to have your say in the consultation which can be found on the council website.
Don’t miss the chance to voice your opinion and help shape the future of Peterborough!