Let's Talk - next year's budget

The council provides more than 600 services to over 277,000 residents.

But, because of spending pressures and shortfalls, including uncertainty over Government funding arrangements, a budget gap of £18m has opened up for next year.

Since 2010, more than £300m has been removed from council budgets and the Government is assuming that councils should consider a three (2.99) per cent Council Tax rise for next year.

For the majority of households in Sunderland, where the Council Tax is the lowest in the North East, this would mean paying less than £1 a week extra next year for city services.

We want to hear your views about what could be next year's budget: You can complete the budget survey online here: Let's Talk Budget -  www.sunderland.gov.uk/letstalkbudget

The council has continued to face the challenges of Covid-19, increasing demand for services such as adult and children's social care, and cost pressures because of inflation.

Reviews are continuing for more service efficiencies and reductions, and the council is looking to use its reserves to help balance the next budget in 2022.

Despite the budget challenges, the council's ambitions remain high. The budget supports the investment programme to bring in more new homes, attract jobs and businesses, improve infrastructure and, in line with the City Plan, make Sunderland a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant smart city.

This includes £45m of investments and improvements to schools, such as at Barnes, Fulwell, and new builds at Hetton and Sunningdale, with local funding to support shortfalls in national funding.

Consultation runs until Friday 7 January and will help inform final proposals at February's meeting of the Cabinet before the budget is decided in March.

All data collected from the survey is anonymous and not shared outside of the council.