Budget Proposals to Make Life Fairer

Proposed investments aimed at making life fairer for people in South Tyneside will be outlined to councillors later this month.

The draft Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which will be considered by Borough Council on 23 February, includes proposals to directly support the Borough's 20-year Vision to make South Tyneside a place where people live happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.

By targeting support at residents and parts of the Borough that need it the most, the Council hopes to reduce inequalities and make things fairer.

One of the ways the Council intends to make things fairer is by extending the additional Council Tax relief for a further year. The Council Tax support scheme already supports 18,400 households with an additional £100 Council Tax rebate proposed for households on a low income.

Another way the Council plans to make things fairer is through increasing residential capacity for children who cannot live with their birth families. The Council has submitted plans for two new children's homes, one in Jarrow and the other in Hebburn, together with an assessment centre in South Shields. Currently there is only one children's residential home in the Borough which means that young people cannot always stay in the Borough close to friends and family.

Greater promotion is proposed of grants that the Council can give for people with disabilities who need to make changes to their home. This could include widening doors, installing grab rails or building an extension for a bedroom downstairs.

Continued investment in the Borough's five Community Area Forums is also proposed to ensure matters important to local people - such as fly tipping and anti-social behaviour -  are listened to and acted on.  

Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Governance, Finance and Corporate Services said: "Our budget has been prepared using insights and feedback from thousands of people across South Tyneside and it aligns closely with our 20-year Vision and ambitions.

"We recognise that people are under intense pressure at the moment and we are doing all we can to support them.

"We have protected frontline services but are committed to targeting support at those who are being hit hardest by the cost of living crisis."