Residents and businesses have the opportunity to tell Rochford District Council about their future spending priorities, by taking part in the budget survey.  Your views are essential, as they will help the Council make the right decisions as it sets its financial plans for future years.

We need to know about the services that matter to YOU so please go to www.rochford.gov.uk/budgetsurvey and give us your thoughts by the deadline of November 15th, 2020.

Rochford District Council spends more than £15m each year providing a diverse range of services including:
· Recycling and Waste Collection
· Street Cleansing
· Accommodation for the Homeless
· Leisure Services
· Planning Services
· Building Control Services
· Parks and Open Spaces
· Safeguarding and Community Safety

We need your views on how we deliver these key services in the future as we face increasing financial constraints.
Central government grants used to make up 41% of the total funding for Rochford; however, these are now zero. In addition, the Council continues to face inflationary pressures and increasing demand for public services, which creates an expected difference between the level of funding available and the amount of money the Council needs to spend (called the budget gap), of around £2.6m within 5 years.

Between 2010 and 2020 Rochford District Council has delivered a range of efficiencies totalling £5.7m whilst continuing to deliver the key services that you have told us that you value. An additional £0.25m of savings/income generation are planned to be achieved in the 2020/21 financial year.
Leader of Rochford District Council, Cllr Simon Wootton, said: “These are incredibly difficult and challenging times for us all, but despite the complications created by the pandemic Rochford District Council has continued to deliver its key services throughout, with our teams going the extra mile in support of residents and businesses.
“We have also continued to deliver a programme which will see up to £1million of investment in our local play spaces, as well as progressing a long-term regeneration programme for the Rochford District which will boost the local economy, provide better community facilities and reduce future costs.
“We do not yet know the full financial impact to local authorities of COVID19, but we do know that demand for our services continues to increase while the Council’s resources remain constrained, so it is now more important than ever that our residents and businesses take part in the Budget Survey to make us aware of their priorities for the coming year.
“This is your chance to influence how the council spends its resources, tell us the services we need to protect, and help shape a promising future for our district.” The survey is available online, simply log on to www.rochford.gov.uk/budgetsurvey.
If you are unable to fill in the form online then you can contact the Council by telephone and we will ensure that you are sent a copy. Please phone:
• 01702 318034
• 01702 318195
• 01702 318038
• 01702 318028 or
Email: budgetconsultation@rochford.gov.uk
To find out more about the programme for long-term regeneration in the Rochford District go to www.rochford.gov.uk/assetsfaqs