Public has say on council's cost-cutting proposals

People can now have their say on a cash-strapped city council's proposals to save money, which include mothballing a lido and cutting back on libraries.

Peterborough City Council has asked residents for their views on draft plans to help balance the budget in the next three financial years.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mohammed Jamil, the Labour deputy council leader, said difficult decisions had to be considered.

The authority predicts a £23m budget gap for 2025 to 2026 because of increased demand for services and rising costs.

During the meeting, the possibility of raising council tax above 4.99% - the maximum allowed without a referendum - was also discussed.

Matt Gladstone, the council's chief executive, said that was "unlikely" and he hoped a financial settlement from the government would be a "positive" compared to previous years.

He said: "We had confirmation last week that we feel it's probably unlikely we'd be allowed to increase above the threshold [for council tax], primarily because we're not seeking exceptional financial support.

"I think it's extremely unlikely we'll be putting council tax up above the limit but, as Councillor Jamil said, it's normal practice to consider these options."

Referring to proposals to close libraries and mothball the city's lido, Jamil said: "These are not decisions we want to make, but we have a legal duty to set a balanced budget.

"These are just proposals at the moment and no decisions have been made."

Dr Shabina Asad Qayyum, a Labour ward councillor and GP, said all 60 councillors had a responsibility to ensure a balance budget was delivered.

She added: "That's a legal requirement we have to meet. It's not a political, or a Labour thing."

Executive director of place and economy, Adrian Chapman, said they would "proactively" reach out to the Friends of the Lido group to hear their views and consider ideas.

The online consultation will be open until midnight on 14 January.

Members of a joint scrutiny committee will then consider the budget and give their views on 29 January.

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