Council budget: Targeting support to make things fairer

All Councils must set the budget every year. Setting the budget is one of the most challenging but important tasks the Council has.

Every year, Council workers suggest budget ideas for the Council's ruling Cabinet to consider.

The borough's 20-year vision and goals guide our budget planning.

The ruling Cabinet check that we focus our resources and support on the residents and areas that need it most to reduce inequalities and make things fairer.

Our 20-year vision for South Tyneside is - A place where people live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives.

We have five main goals to achieve this:

• Financially secure: Residents will have enough money for a good standard of living.
• Health and wellbeing: Residents will enjoy good mental and physical health throughout their lives.
• Connected to jobs: Residents will have access to good quality jobs and the skills to get them.
• Part of strong communities: Residents will live in clean, green, and safe communities.
• Targeting support to make things fairer: We will help those who need it most to reduce inequalities.

All budget ideas are reviewed, and the final choices are made by the ruling Cabinet.

These are then included in the financial plan presented in February each year.

Opposition parties can suggest their own budget ideas for the Council to consider.

The Medium-Term Financial Plan shows how we focus our resources on the biggest issues facing residents while continuing to provide everyday services, like:

• supporting those in need
• maintaining highways
• keeping parks and beaches clean

Medium-Term Financial Plan consultations

The Medium-Term Financial Plan has been put together using evidence, insights, and feedback from the people of the borough.

When needed, we will consult with those affected by specific proposals.

In January 2025, we held budget consultation meetings with:

• the voluntary sector
• businesses
• opposition members
• the Overview and Scrutiny select committee

We also have regular meetings with trade unions.

Most savings proposals, like removing vacant posts or generating income, can be done with little or no impact on the wider community.