Liberal Democrats overcome formidable financial obstacles to secure sound, sustainable Council budget

The Mole Valley District Council budget for 2023/24 was approved at a Council meeting on 21st February.

The following points were made by Councillor Bridget Kendrick - the LibDem spokesperson for Finance - in her speech presenting the Budget:

"COVID, Brexit, the war in Ukraine have all been thrown at us, seriously affecting individuals, businesses and councils up and down the country. And just when we thought things couldn't get much worse, Liz Truss's infamous mini budget led to even greater rises in energy, food and day-to-day living costs. Throughout all this the Liberal Democrat run Mole Valley District Council has carefully managed finances, meeting its savings targets and returning reserves to pre-pandemic levels.

"Council Tax and fees and charges have been kept below inflation. We have achieved £750,000 in savings target without adversely affecting services. Further significant savings are planned over the next four years to ensure the Council's long-term financial sustainability. This will be done by continuing our digital transformation programme, collaborating with other local authorities, and reviewing assets and services.

"The budget setting process started with the creation of a long-term financial strategy as well as a medium-term financial plan, adding additional diligence into the process.

"This sound and sustainable budget supports our Annual Plan including the continuation of our car park programme, the installation of charging EV points, other climate change initiatives, holiday activities and grant funding. We will also invest in some of our assets to ensure they can continue to be of value for our communities, some after years of neglect and underfunding e.g., Dorking Halls, Pippbrook House and CCTV after Surrey Police have ceased funding. The costs of these investments are included in the longer-term budgeting process.

"The budget is a balance between ensuring financial sustainability and investing in areas that will in the medium term support that very sustainability."