Members of the public can have their say on Middlesbrough Council’s budget proposals for 2024-25.
Their views will form part of a consultation involving a range of stakeholders, before further consideration by the Council’s Executive and a final decision by full Council.
Residents can take part at special events in January in the north, east, south and west of the town, while submissions on the proposals can also be made online.
This year’s budgetary process comes amid a challenging financial climate which will require the Council to find a further £6 million in savings to achieve a balanced budget.
Proposals include the introduction of fortnightly waste collections, charging for green waste collections and the potential closure or transfer to a new operator of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.
In addition to the impact on services, the cost-saving measures could result in a reduction of around 75 full-time equivalent posts at the authority.
At a meeting of the Executive to approve the consultation process, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said he hoped as many people as possible would take part and make their voices heard.
And he outlined a series of ‘red line’ services which he will save:
- Area Care
- Community Safety
- Street lighting
- School crossing patrols
- Welfare rights
- Libraries and community hub
Mayor Cooke said: “We need to get social care onto a much more sustainable footing, and I believe that’s achievable.
“We also need to concentrate on the services that residents value most, and that’s why I’ve already set some red lines around areas which will not be affected.
“I welcome the start of this consultation – it’s an important opportunity for local people to give us their feedback, and their views will be take into account.”
Cllr Nicky Walker, the Council’s Executive member for Finance & Governance, added: “We’re working really hard alongside officers to avoid further Government intervention and that will benefit everyone in the longer term.
“By making tough choices now we can we safeguard our finances and protect services for the future.”
The consultation on Middlesbrough Council’s Budget Proposals for 2024-25 runs until Thursday, January 18.
Members of the public are invited to attend one of four events at venues across the town:
Monday, January 8, 6pm – 7.30pm – Newport Community Hub, St Pauls Road, TS1 5NQ
Tuesday, January 9, 6pm – 7.30pm – Acklam Community Hub and Library, Acklam Road, TS5 7AB
Wednesday, January 10, 6pm – 7.30pm – Hemlington Community Hub and Library, Crosscliff, TS8 9JJ
Thursday, January 11, 6.30pm – 7.30pm – North Ormesby Community Hub and Library, Derwent Street, TS3 6JB
Residents will be able to register for the events or leave their feedback online by visiting www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/letstalk
