Budget and medium-term financial plan (MTFP)
You can read all about our budget plans in the January 2023 edition of One Darlington [pdf document].
We are currently consulting on our budget for the next financial year (2023-24) and the four-year medium term financial plan (MTFP).
Read the medium term financial plan cabinet report [pdf document] and it's appendicies:
- Appendix 1 - Detailed Estimates [pdf document]
- Appendix 2 Budget Pressures / Savings [pdf document]
- Appendix 3 Fees and Income Proposals [pdf document]
- Appendix 4 Assumptions used to prepare estimates [pdf document]
- Appendix 5 Projected Revenue Outturn 2021/22 [pdf document]
- Appendix 6 Proposed MTFP 2023 to 2027 [pdf document]
- Appendix 7 Capital programme [pdf document]
We have faced significant financial challenges over the last decade as the Government has responded to the worldwide economic downturn.
This has been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, with huge increases in inflation, rising utility costs and growing demand for services particularly in relation to social care, both adults and children.
Almost two thirds of the council’s budget is spending within these two areas and this is expected to increase further in future years.
The council has performed well in responding to the financial challenges and has made efficiencies and savings in order to ensure that it is still able to deliver and invest in services for the businesses and residents of Darlington.
This MTFP allows for net revenue investment of more than £118m in the coming year, along with capital investment in our schools, roads, housing and community assets of £111m over the life of this plan, creating further opportunities for growth and investment within our borough.
The Chancellor announced within his autumn statement in November that councils would have further flexibilities in setting their Council Tax and Social Care precepts.
The proposals in this plan include a 2.99% increase to Council Tax for 2023/24 and to continue to fund vital social care services a further 2% increase in the Social Care precept. Combined, the increase will be around half the current rate of inflation.
Once the consultation period has ended, the plan will be reviewed again and a final version will be voted on by all councillors in February.
The consultation period ends on Friday 20 January 2023.
You can also visit Cockerton Library or the customer services at the Town Hall and ask to see a copy of the proposals.
Comments can also be posted to: Finance Department, Darlington Borough Council, Room 322, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington DL1 5QT.
Comments can also be emailed to [email protected]