Group discussion toolkit

The traditional model of public services and local government no longer works in Northamptonshire. We are experiencing huge rises in demand for services with our population growth far outstripping the national average. As a result of this growth in population there are ever increasing demands on our services At the same time our income is rapidly reducing. In total while our costs of delivering services are increasing £99m our income from government is reducing by £81m. Introduction

350 Extra Primary School places needed to meet demand across the LA in 2015 lmlmk 121,200 New residents by % increase in traffic volume since 1994 School Places expected to rise by 12% between 2013 and ,500 new places needed. 12% increase in school capacity by 2037 Between 2013 and 2037 the number of over-65s requiring Adult Social Care is likely to rise by 80%, necessitating nearly 7,000 more funded places. 80% increase in numbers of over 65s needing Social Care by 2037 More younger and older people

THE TRADITIONAL MODEL OF PAYING FOR LOCAL SERVICES: The cost of providing public services = Income =

THE FORECASTED MODEL OF PAYING FOR LOCAL SERVICES: The cost of providing public services = Income =

We have therefore published our budget proposals which show how we are aiming to face up to some of these challenges in the next financial year. We have also published our Council Plan which shows how we are proposing the biggest transformation of public services in Northamptonshire since the creation of the county council 125 years ago. The headline proposals are: 1.An increase in council tax of 1.95% 2.£66 million worth of savings over 2015/16 3.Review of fees and charges 4.Transforming the way the council works to deliver priorities Draft Budget and Council Plan

Discussion questions: Council Tax The council is proposing to increase council tax by 1.95% for : –This would £4.4 million from council tax in –Band D Council Tax would increase from £ to £ , an extra 39p a week –Without this additional funding the council would not be able to deliver the planned draft budget and front line services would be threatened What is your preferred Council Tax option? 1.Freeze council tax 2.Increase council tax by 1.95% 3.Increase council tax by more than 2% Do you have any other comments on Council Tax?

Discussion questions: Draft Budget The council is proposing savings of £66m in 2015/16 Thinking about the draft budget proposals that may affect/interest your group, please tell us: 1.Which proposal/s you wish to comment on? 2.What impact this may have? 3.What we could do to mitigate against this impact? 4.Do you have any alternative budget savings proposals? Information on all of the council’s proposals are available on the following website:

Discussion questions: Fees and Charges Thinking about the fees and charges proposals that may affect/interest your group, please tell us: 1.Which fees and charges you wish to comment on? 2.What impact this may have? 3.What we could do to mitigate against this impact? 4.Do you have any alternative suggestions for raising income through fees and charges? Information on all of the fees and charges proposals are available on the following website:

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Discussion questions: Council Plan The budget proposals illustrate our spending plans for the next financial year but given the scale of challenges facing us we need a longer term plan to make us more affordable as an organisation given the spending and income pressures we face. The longer term transformation of services described in the Council Plan ensures we can face up to these challenges while protecting vital services and outcomes rather than by simply cutting budgets year on year and not being able to deliver for the people of Northamptonshire. 1.To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Next Generation Council proposal? 2.Do you have any further comments?

How will my feedback be used? Feedback will be used to inform the council’s decision making: Decision-makers will receive a weekly report telling them what people are saying Feedback will be used to inform EQIAs (Equality impact assessments) The final budget report will include an appendix of consultation findings

When will the final decision be made? The Draft Budget and Council Plan will be decided on the 19th February by a meeting of Full Council. Members of the public can attend full council and speak on any item. You will receive feedback when the final decision is made. Further consultation will then take place as the plans are implemented: –Specific proposals for service changes will be the subject of separate detailed consultations as the proposals are developed and refined.

Other ways to have your say 1.Complete the online survey at Tweet 4.Post on our mycountycouncil facebook page or linked in accountmycountycouncil facebook page linked in 5.Write to: Draft Budget and Council Plan Consultation, Northamptonshire County Council, County Hall, Northampton, NN1 1DN 6.Sign or submit a petitionpetition 7.Take part on the budget scrutiny process More details available:

Please send your discussion feedback to : Write to: Draft Budget and Council Plan Consultation Northamptonshire County Council County Hall Northampton NN1 1DN The consultation closes on the 20 th January Thank you