Taxpayers asked to help plan county's budget

Council tax payers in Surrey have until 30 September to offer Surrey County Council their views

A council has asked people who pay council tax to contribute ideas to help the authority balance its books for the financial year 2025/26.

Surrey County Council is running an online public consultation until 30 September.

It said rising costs and demand had created "huge challenges".

The authority is due to set its budget in February 2025, with the full council up for re-election at the start of May.

David Lewis, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Although Surrey’s finances are well managed, the council is still facing huge challenges that are affecting the local government sector and society more widely.

"Higher costs, reduced funding from central government and rapidly rising demand have all increased the cost of providing vital services to residents.

"As a result, the way in which we use our financial resources is becoming more constrained."

The bulk of the council's budget, £745m, is spent on children's services and adult social care.

In February 2024, the authority voted to increase bills by 4.99%, the maximum allowed without a referendum, with Band D properties paying on average £1,758.60.

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