February 2025
February is a really important month when we set thebudget for the next financial year and the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025 to 2030.
Bringing forward a balanced budget is one of the most challenging responsibilities we have to do. We weigh up all the financial pressures taking into account the increased demand for services, inflationary increases in our costs to maintain services and competing commitments, priorities and ambitions.
I'm pleased we have managed to agree a balanced budget against these pressures and targets, with a package of investment worth £171m also agreed over the next five years as part of a rolling programme of capital investment.
In setting our budget, we also work extremely hard to ensure that our limited finances and the resources we do have are focused to support those residents who need it the most, in line with our ambition of 'Targeting Support to Make Things Fairer.'
Once of the things we are doing to make things fairer is carrying out a review of Adult Social Care client contributions
The Council has subsidised Adult Social Care costs for almost a decade. As the number of residents who need adult social care support continues to rise, that subsidy is simply unsustainable and funding must be allocated to support those who need it most.
Historically the Council's allowances have been greater than the Government's 'Minimum Income Guarantee' and that of our neighbouring authorities. It is proposed that the charging policy is aligned to both.
We know that some residents face financial difficulties. That is why we are determined to keep costs as low as possible and continue to subsidise many services rather than go to full cost recovery. We have launched a 12-week consultation inviting people to have their say on this important issue.
We also continue to work closely with Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau to support funding applications for around 1,250 pensioners just above the Pension Credit threshold. The £200 payments aim to support those who are on a low income but not eligible for Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Allowance, but who may be impacted by the loss of Winter Fuel Allowance and by rising energy prices.
Since we launched the scheme last month, over 120 South Tyneside pensioners have received a payout, but we want to reach everyone who could be eligible.
Our teams have also worked hard to secure other benefits and support for pensioners. We've only got until the end of March to spend the money, so it's really important people come forward. Apply here.
It's wonderful news that Hebburn-based contractor Castle has been appointed to deliver the relocation of South Tyneside College. Castle has a proven track record of successfully delivering on projects like this and has been selected to build the new 15,000sq metre campus after a competitive tender process.
Our regeneration ambitions are focused on diversifying the town centre and boosting footfall, and this development, which starts on site this summer, is going to bring in thousands of additional people and a new sense of vitality. As a local firm, their appointment will create jobs and boost the Borough's economy.
It's wonderful that new Blue Plaques will be raised in honour of Robert Blair, Professor Paul Younger and brothers Joseph and Robert MacGregor over the next year.
Our Blue Plaque scheme pays tribute to significant people and places that have added cultural or civic value to South Tyneside or have played a key role in helping to shape our Borough's history and heritage to what it is today. These new plaques celebrate the life and work of these individuals, paying tribute to the incredible legacies they left behind.
I am naturally disappointed that the draft Local Plan did not gain approval from Borough Council this month.
It has been subject to significant public consultation and is the product of extensive work to compile an evidence base over several years. I would like to take a moment to thank officers for all their hard work to date.
We now look to move forward on developing a new plan. This will need to be compliant with the new NPPF, and that means the much higher housing target of at least 623 homes a year. We encourage people to continue engaging in the process.
Councillor Tracey Dixon
Leader of South Tyneside Council