Preparations to set next year’s budget are well underway, but before any final decisions are made, Teignbridge Council wants to hear residents’ views on what its priorities should be for the coming year.

To do this, a short survey has been launched, giving local people the chance to have their say on different priorities and give their views on the way the council is run and the services it delivers.

As government funding for local government continues to fall, difficult decisions need to be made on where its money should be spent. 

As well as supporting the district to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the council has focused on delivering essential services such as waste and recycling, street cleaning, housing support and homeless accommodation, green spaces and leisure.  It’s also worked with other organisations to help keep individuals and communities safe.

Executive Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Richard Keeling urged local people to take part in the survey: “Teignbridge gets 9p in every £1 of council tax, and it’s vital that we spend every penny wisely, making sure it goes on services that best serve our residents. We believe our current proposals will help us achieve this, but we’re keen to hear what people think.

“We’re experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and are aware that any increase in council tax will impact on financial pressures already affecting households across the district. We’re therefore seeking residents’ views on a proposal to give households the equivalent band D council tax increase of £5.54 as a one-off cost of living payment.”

The survey provides the opportunity to comment on priorities such tackling climate change; strengthening the economy, attracting new businesses and boosting job opportunities; building affordable homes and investing in better transport links.

It also seeks people’s views on how best to tackle the budget gap through generating more income, making budget savings, reducing services or increasing council tax further.

Cllr Keeling said councillors also wanted to hear how satisfied people are with current services.

"As well as helping us make decisions about how to spend our money, this survey also provides a good way of gauging satisfaction and giving us ideas on how continue to improve our services and focus on what matters to local people.”

The survey runs from Friday 16 December to 25 January 2023  at teignbridge.gov.uk/budgetsurvey  Responses to the survey will be given to councillors early next year, and we will also include feedback on the consultation pages of our website and in our newsletters and social media.