A tough balancing act by Erewash council means the authority is poised to stay in the black for a second year running – while also investing in the future, according to leader James Dawson.
The good news for residents was confirmed at a budget meeting of senior councillors as the new financial year looms.
Feedback on the council’s spending priorities is now being invited from local people following the summit at Long Eaton Town Hall (Tuesday 14 January). The consultation – in the form of an online survey – runs until Tuesday 4 February and can be found here: Let's Talk Erewash
The Government last month unveiled a funding shake-up for cash-squeezed councils up and down the country – amid fears a quarter of them faced going bust.
Cllr Dawson said Erewash was not one of those at risk thanks to hard decisions that were already paying off.
But despite again coming up with a balanced budget for the coming year, money remains tight – meaning huge challenges remain to fund the kind of services residents have come to expect. Cllr Gordon Thomas – Lead Member for Resources – said the gap between what the council receives in income and the amount it needs to avoid drastic cuts is projected to be more acute in 2026 and beyond unless the economy picks up. That means council tax is likely to rise at least by inflation. Cllr Thomas said:
"While we have secured a balanced budget for the coming year, we must remain realistic about the challenges ahead. We are committed to protecting vital services and supporting our communities, but this is likely to require us making difficult decisions."
On the plus side, spending plans for the next financial year include:
A FURTHER £100,000 for play areas across the borough – following the opening of a thrilling £400,000 adventure zone in Long Eaton’s West Park.
FRESH investment in managing the council’s green mission to rewild open spaces across the borough. Cllr Dawson said: “We have listened to residents and are fine-tuning our approach to deliver this.”
TACKLING homelessness while continuing with the council’s debt-crisis safety net for struggling residents – known as the Household Support Fund.
A NEW grants scheme to fund small projects. Cllr Dawson said: “This is a chance for local residents to talk to their councillors about potential projects and bids.”
REINSTATING the bus shelter maintenance budget so urgent repairs can be carried out – which is an issue that Cllr Dawson described as “a bugbear for many”.
NO rise in the charges for using council car parks – with those at West Park remaining free. People will also continue to get one hour’s free parking at Ilkeston’s Northgate Sreet car park next to the Durham Ox and at New Street in Long Eaton.
There will also be ANOTHER “early bird” discount for residents keen to continue getting their garden waste carted away. The council was reluctant to bring in the brown bin charge in 2024 but had little choice as it battled to stay out of the red. Those signing up early in 2025 will pay £25 – compared to the annual fee of £37. Other councils typically charge £56.
In addition there will be a renewed probe into how the council can keep cutting its costs. The authority continues to have two town halls as a hangover from when district councils in Ilkeston and Long Eaton were merged 50 years ago. Cllr Dawson said this is being looked at.
The leader said he was proud that in its previous budget Erewash did not need to dip into its rainy day emergency fund for the first time years – and that this will again be the case in 2025. He said:
“Our proposed budget strikes the right balance between protecting services whilst still making savings that will help us reduce future funding gaps.
“For the second year in a row we are balancing the budget without using reserves.”
Cllr Dawson said council tax payers deserved honesty from the authority about every aspect of expenditure. In a pledge to local people he said: “The council continues to look after the Erewash Pound.”
The video of Cllr Thomas talking about the budget can be seen here: https://youtu.be/PKU-Lh3kNfA