Chelmsford Council budget protects environment and services despite ‘brutal’ inflation

Chelmsford City Council has approved budget proposals for 2023/24 (Council agenda) that will protect the environment and key services, and upgrade important local facilities. The plans present a balanced budget for the coming year in spite of a large shortfall due to 'brutal' inflation.

Services protected and some new investment

Despite a very difficult year, vital Chelmsford City Council services will be protected. The budget does allow for new long-term investment in the city with essential upgrades to the council's recycling depot, improvements to public toilets and lighting in city parks, resurfacing works for the High Chelmer multi-storey car park, and crucial maintenance at the city's crematorium all planned.

The largest single investment in the budget is a £6.5m extension to a Green Initiatives Fund to support the decarbonisation of the council by 2030 and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. This will include changes to the council's vehicle fleet, replacing traditional lights with LED lighting and the use of new heating technology such as air source heat pumps.

Council's own "cost-of-living crisis"

The council was facing a £6.9m deficit for the next financial year (previous report), caused by inflation in fuel and other costs. However, this gap has been closed through a combination of efficiency savings, the use of some of its 'rainy day' savings and additional income.

More about the budget and Council Tax here.