Survey findings reveal priorities

Support for vulnerable people should be protected, say public

Support for vulnerable people should be protected, according to responses to a major consultation on Leicestershire County Council’s priorities. 

Residential and community support for older people and mental health – plus special educational needs and disabilities, child protection and children in care - are in the top 10 services people don’t want to see reduced.

Over 4,300 people took part in the survey which also shows:

• 82 per cent of people support a Council Tax rise in line with inflation (2 per cent) or above
• 81 per cent agree with re-organising local government to make savings
• 86 per cent support protecting the environment by using renewable energy and reducing carbon

This is the biggest exercise we’ve run since 2013 and I’d like to thank people for taking the time to respond. It’s important tax payers have their say and I hope our online budget tool offered a welcome new dimension.

Person:Byron Rhodes, county council deputy leader

Mr Rhodes added: “Despite a one-year cash injection from the Government, our financial situation remains extremely challenging. Growing service demands and national uncertainty mean that more tough decisions lie ahead. 

“Our latest budget proposals will be published in December and the responses will shape these plans. But our conversation won’t stop there and the feedback will inform the steps we’re taking to tackle other priorities such as climate change.”
 
Road and path maintenance, gritting, waste disposal and waste sites make up the top 10 services people most want to protect.

The responses will be discussed by the council’s Scrutiny Committee next Wednesday (30 October) - watch the meeting online: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast .

More detail on the findings of the consultation   PDF,  1.3 mb and workshops held   PDF,  902 kb