Council asks residents to choose how to save £30m

The council says the shortfall is being caused by increased costs and demand across services

A council has asked its residents to use an online budget simulator to see how they would save £30m ahead of a predicted financial shortfall.

Brighton & Hove City Council said it launched the simulator to show residents the challenges and impact of making decisions on reducing funding for services, while also seeing what matters the most to them.

Although the council says it is currently forecasting a budget shortfall of £37m in 2025/26, it thinks it could receive extra funding from central government.

A council spokesperson said: "Some very difficult decisions are unavoidable in order to ensure we have a balanced budget, which is a legal requirement."

The council says the shortfall is being caused by increased costs and demand across services including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, home-to-school transport, adult and children’s social care, and homelessness.

Senior council officers have suggested that the i360 will be an additional cost of £1m a year until the government loan is repaid and not the reason for the predicted shortfall.

Jacob Taylor, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said balancing the budget would be an "extremely difficult task".

"The feedback we receive from residents will be extremely valuable in helping us decide the way forward."

Two budget engagement events are also being hosted, at Hove Town Hall on 12 December and Jubilee Library on 16 January, where residents can use the simulator and hear more about the council's financial situation.