Consequences of keeping the budget for Council Tax the same

Consequences of increasing the budget for Council Tax by 4.9%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Commissioning - longer term care the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 5%

Increasing the budget in adult social care commissioning would ensure we are able to provide and commission more essential frontline services for vulnerable people.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Commissioning - longer term care by 10%

Increasing the budget in adult social care commissioning would ensure we are able to provide and commission more essential frontline services for vulnerable people.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 50%

The service would potentially become too small to be able to operate, therefore meaning that around 500 people would not be able to access this support to help them recover from a stay in hospital or period of ill health. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 25%

We would have to provide reablement to around 120 fewer people. 

In the long run this would lead to greater costs with a high percentage of these people needing a long-term care package in the short-term future.   

People would potentially be stuck in a hospital bed awaiting a care package where they would be less able to do things for themselves. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 10%

We would have to provide reablement to around 50 fewer people.  In the long run this would lead to greater costs with a high percentage of these people needing a long-term care package in the short-term future.   

People would potentially be stuck in a hospital bed awaiting a care package where they would be less able to do things for themselves. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 5%

We would have to provide reablement care to around 25 fewer people.  In the long run this would lead to greater costs with a high percentage of these people needing a long-term care package in the short-term future. 

People would potentially be stuck in a hospital bed awaiting a care package where they would be less able to do things for themselves.

Consequences of keeping the budget for Reablement and therapy the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 5%

An increase in budget would mean the council could enhance community engagement, implement more measures to reduce accidents in the home, invest further in the reablement and physical therapy teams to ensure more people live independently and reduce the number of people admitted to hospital unnecessarily. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Reablement and therapy by 10%

An increase in budget would mean the council could enhance community engagement, implement more measures to reduce accidents in the home, invest further in the reablement and physical therapy teams to ensure more people live independently and reduce the number of people admitted to hospital unnecessarily. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 5%

With additional funding, we could expand the array of choices available to people. It would also  enable us to extend support to a larger number of caregivers and offer a more extensive range of care and assistance, thereby assisting people in sustaining their family support over an extended period.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community services - day opportunities, short breaks by 10%

With additional funding, we could expand the array of choices available to people. It would also  enable us to extend support to a larger number of caregivers and offer a more extensive range of care and assistance, thereby assisting people in sustaining their family support over an extended period.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Education support services by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Education support services by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Education support services by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Education support services by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Education support services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Education support services by 5%

An increase in budget would give us more money to spend supporting schools which would see more of them receive better Ofsted ratings.  Children would receive more support to achieve the expected standards in key subjects such as Maths and English.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Education support services by 10%

An increase in budget would give us more money to spend supporting schools which would see more of them receive better Ofsted ratings.  Children would receive more support to achieve the expected standards in key subjects such as Maths and English.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 50%

We would not meet any of our statutory timescales for assessing special education needs and would be at risk of government/Ofsted intervention. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 25%

We would not meet the majority of our statutory timescales for assessing special education needs.  

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 5%

We would have to cut any early intervention work with children with additional education needs by our Education Psychology team which may lead to needs not being identified early. Our timeliness for statutory assessment of special education needs would decline. We would increase the costs of all paid transport. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services the same

Consequences of increasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 5%

With an increase in budget, we could  increase the support that we offer children through Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services. Statutory assessments would be completed quicker.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Special educational needs and inclusion services by 10%

With an increase in budget, we could  increase the support that we offer children through Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services. Statutory assessments would be completed quicker.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 25%

There would be a 25% cut to all our children's front-line social care teams which would mean we would not be able to make sure children have all the support they need to keep them safe.

Children with significant emotional and mental health needs would not get the support they require, leading to increased risk of self-harm or suicide. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 10%

The level of risk to children increases. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 5%

Caseloads for social workers would have to increase and this means things might get missed and children left at risk. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Social work and child protection services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 5%

Increased budget would allow the council to prioritise investment in early intervention and help services. More social workers would mean manageable caseloads and would work towards rebalancing priorities away from crisis intervention / statutory intervention.  

Consequences of increasing the budget for Social work and child protection services by 10%

Increased budget would allow the council to prioritise investment in early intervention and help services. More social workers would mean manageable caseloads and would work towards rebalancing priorities away from crisis intervention / statutory intervention.  

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 50%

In addition to the 5%, 20% and 25% cuts, we would have to make 50% cuts to front-line staff, meaning we would breach our legal duties by not safely supporting children and young people.

We would fail to meet our statutory duties to children daily, children would be unsafe, there would be a likelihood of serious incidents, and some children would suffer significant harm or possible death. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 10%

In addition to the previous 5% cuts, we would have to cut all our prevention and early help services, including closing our three Family Hubs. This would mean that we would not be able to provide advice and support to children and families to help keep children at home in a safe, loving family environment. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 5%

Targeted Support would not be available for families as we would need to make the targeted support team redundant. This would mean more families would not be able to access the help they need, and they would end up in statutory intervention thereby placing additional cost and strain on services.

A range of Evidence Based Parenting Programmes would not be available to families and young people. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Targeted Support – early help the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 5%

Consequences of increasing the budget for Targeted Support – early help by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 50%

The service would collapse, and many children would be left at risk of significant harm. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 25%

There would be no external services for children in care, meaning we would have children’s placements disrupted and there would be an increased risk of exploitation in the community. Children with significant emotional and mental health needs would not get the support they require, leading to increased risk of self-harm or suicide. 

Not all children would have a placement and would be left at risk. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 10%

The 5% impacts would increase further.

In addition, the council would not be able to afford to pay for all the placements with foster carers that it needs to make to keep children safe. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 5%

Children would not see their social worker as often as caseloads increase and may mean that their quality of life is harmed as a result of less timely decisions being made. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 5%

Budget increase would help to attract and retain more local foster carers and to ensure every child in foster care benefits from stable, high-quality care.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Services for looked after children - fostering and adoption by 10%

Budget increase would help to attract and retain more local foster carers and to ensure every child in foster care benefits from stable, high-quality care.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Home to school transport by 50%

We would not meet our statutory requirement for delivering home to school transport. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Home to school transport by 25%

We would not meet our statutory requirement for delivering home to school transport. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Home to school transport by 10%

We would not meet our statutory requirement for delivering home to school transport. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Home to school transport by 5%

We would not meet our statutory requirement for delivering home to school transport. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Home to school transport the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Home to school transport by 5%

An increase in this budget is predicted due to  the rising demand for home to school transport. We will also  work to improve the efficiency of journeys  where possible which should result in some savings on those routes.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Home to school transport by 10%

An increase in this budget is predicted due to  the rising demand for home to school transport. We will also  work to improve the efficiency of journeys  where possible which should result in some savings on those routes.

Consequences of keeping the budget for Public Health the same

Maintain current levels of service. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Public Health by 5%

Consequences of increasing the budget for Public Health by 10%

Consequences of increasing the budget for Public Health by 25%

Consequences of increasing the budget for Public Health by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 50%

This is not deliverable as the Council would not be able to meet its statutory duty to collect and treat household waste.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 25%

This is not deliverable as the Council would not be able to meet its statutory duty to collect and treat household waste.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 10%

An increase in chargeable garden waste and a move to general waste being collected every four weeks, recycling being collected every four weeks and food waste staying as a weekly collection. No increase in container size, clear recycling bags may be bought to dispose of more recycling. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 5%

Move to general waste being collected every four weeks, recycling being collected every four weeks, and food waste staying as a weekly collection. No increase in container size apart from for food waste, clear recycling bags may be bought to dispose of more recycling. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Waste and recycling the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 5%

If we increased budget, we could reduce some of the charges for garden waste collection. We could do more proactive engagement with the public to increase recycling rates.  

Consequences of increasing the budget for Waste and recycling by 10%

If we increased budget, we could reduce some of the charges for garden waste collection. We could do more proactive engagement with the public to increase recycling rates.  

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City Cleaning by 50%

Cut street cleansing provision by 65% in all areas. This includes 65% reduction in street sweeping, litter picking and 200% increase in fly-tip removal timescales. Unable to meet statutory requirements (by law) to keep the city clean, leading to increased litter and reduction in economic growth. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City Cleaning by 25%

Cut street cleansing provision by 45% in all areas. This includes a reduction in street sweeping, litter picking and 200% increase in fly-tip removal timescales. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City Cleaning by 10%

Streets will not be cleaned, and litter bins will not be emptied on weekends. Remove 75% of all litter bins and reduce shopping area cleansing by 50%. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City Cleaning by 5%

Remove 50% of all litter bins and reduce shopping area cleansing by 50%.

Consequences of keeping the budget for City Cleaning the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for City Cleaning by 5%

With more budget we could increase cleaning regimes across the city so that pavements are washed, and streets swept more regularly. Extra litter picks could be completed and there would be more resource to tackle fly-tipping – although we wish people did not do it in the first place.

Consequences of increasing the budget for City Cleaning by 10%

With more budget we could increase cleaning regimes across the city so that pavements are washed, and streets swept more regularly. Extra litter picks could be completed and there would be more resource to tackle fly-tipping – although we wish people did not do it in the first place.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Growing the city by 50%

City misses out on most regeneration schemes and £1 billion of investment. Severe negative effect on the city, impacting upon the number of visitors, damaging the city’s economy and reputation as well as leading to job losses.

The city's future prosperity is severely damaged by the lack of future investment. Restaurants and pubs close, larger retail chains move out and parts of the city become abandoned. No meaningful business strategy, business rates tax base collapses resulting in extra council cuts.

Added to inflation, everyone is 22% worse off every year. Around half of new homes are houses and empty offices, converted to flats and shared houses. Average wait on the housing waiting list is the longest it has ever been. Increase in people sleeping rough in the city.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Growing the city by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Growing the city by 10%

All visitor support by the council would stop, damaging the city’s economy and reputation. The city becomes unattractive for future investment. As a result, wages fall in real terms, house prices fall, leaving homeowners in negative equity. Interest rates make homes less affordable.

Businesses close, unemployment rises and wages fall. Added to inflation, everyone is 12% worse off every year.

Number of new homes being built falls by 15%, pushing prices up, which when added to inflation and interest rate rises, forces people into shared and insecure housing. Average wait on the housing waiting list is even longer. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Growing the city by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Growing the city the same

Maintain current levels of service. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Growing the city by 5%

We would have more money to spend on marketing the city nationally and internationally to encourage investment into Peterborough. More money to spend on staffing in our growth and regeneration team to network and increase awareness of Peterborough’s potential.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Growing the city by 10%

We would have more money to spend on marketing the city nationally and internationally to encourage investment into Peterborough. More money to spend on staffing in our growth and regeneration team to network and increase awareness of Peterborough’s potential.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Transport and roads by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Transport and roads by 25%

All of the 5% and 10% changes would be necessary, plus we would turn off streetlights on all principal roads.

We already have energy efficient LEDs that are dimmed to reduce energy usage. The only option available would be to turn lights off on A roads which would mean we would fall below national minimum standards. This would be strongly opposed by stakeholders including the emergency services, councillors and the public. This would directly reduce carbon emissions through a reduction in electricity use, but it may require a capital investment to install road studs (cat’s eyes) in some areas.   

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Transport and roads by 10%

All of the 5% changes would be necessary, plus we would stop undertaking any work to patch, maintain markings, studs and drainage on non-A roads and unclassified roads.

This would mean that the council would fail to meet its statutory duties to maintain these assets and they would continue to deteriorate. This could cause safety issues and possibly an increase in the number of accidents. The council would also likely experience more financial claims against it which would produce an even bigger budget pressure. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Transport and roads by 5%

• There would be no new parking restrictions, including in residential areas when issues of inconsiderate parking are reported to us. This could cause safety issues if residents choose to park close to junctions, for example. It could also create complaints and political involvement. 
• Streetlights would be turned off in residential areas between midnight and sunrise. This would directly reduce carbon emissions through a reduction in electricity use but it might make areas feel less safe and might mean people are less likely to choose to walk or cycle during these hours.   
• School crossing patrols at seven key locations would be removed. A capital investment of approximately £800,000 plus borrowing costs would be needed to install permanent road safety measures.  
• We are responsible for cleansing gullies on the highway to ensure surface water is able to drain away from the highway and properties. Gully cleaning would reduce by 50%. This budget has already been reduced in previous years and this is likely to impact properties during periods of heavy rainfall. 
• We are responsible for the maintenance of two sites with average speed cameras at Junction 17-2 of the Fletton Parkway and Stanground College. These would no longer be maintained which presents safety risks for the travelling public.  
• We have upgraded streetlights to energy efficient LEDs but unfortunately some require maintenance works to ensure they remain operational. This option would mean that as streetlights fail, they are left off.   

Consequences of keeping the budget for Transport and roads the same

Maintain current levels of service. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Transport and roads by 5%

With more funding, we’d be able to repair more pot holes, invest in some of the city’s non-A roads and unclassified roads and introduce more schemes to encourage people to walk and cycle.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Transport and roads by 10%

With more funding, we’d be able to repair more pot holes, invest in some of the city’s non-A roads and unclassified roads and introduce more schemes to encourage people to walk and cycle.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Housing Needs by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Housing Needs by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Housing Needs by 10%

Applications for housing and homelessness will take much longer to process. Homelessness prevention work would reduce meaning more households would require temporary accommodation.

Rough sleepers would spend longer on the streets before being helped to leave the streets and would be placed at more risk of becoming entrenched. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Housing Needs by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Housing Needs the same

Maintain current levels of service. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Housing Needs by 5%

With additional budget we would be able to employ more staff to increase our proactive engagement work to support people at the earliest opportunity to avoid them becoming homeless in the first place.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Housing Needs by 10%

With additional budget we would be able to employ more staff to increase our proactive engagement work to support people at the earliest opportunity to avoid them becoming homeless in the first place.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 50%

Wards will continue to have their bins emptied, streets cleaned etc. However, the council will no longer have the resources to investigate local environmental problems. No council support to communities following serious incidents. The council is unable to work with other agencies in an integrated way to tackle crime and disorder. Increase in victimisation and repeat victimisation. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 25%

Increase in repeat victimisation and a lack of co-ordination between partner agencies (council/police/fire etc). Fewer resources to address fly-tipping and other environmental crimes in the city, causing backlogs in investigating complaints. Risk increases for victims of crime – for example, impact on domestic abuse victims due to lack of a co-ordinated response from all the different partners. More anti-social behaviour, issues not resolved at an early stage. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 10%

Fewer resources to address fly-tipping and other environmental crimes in the city, causing backlogs in investigating complaints. Risk increases for victims of crime – for example, impact on domestic abuse victims due to lack of a co-ordinated response from all the different partners. More anti-social behaviour, issues not resolved at an early stage. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 5%

Fewer staff to cover the city which will result in delays in investigations into environmental crime and anti-social behaviour.   

Consequences of keeping the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 5%

With an increase in budget, we could spend more time tackling anti-social behaviour at the earliest possible opportunity to reduce the impact on the city and our residents. We could employ more enforcement officers to work in the city centre and across the wider city.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community safety and neighbourhood services by 10%

With an increase in budget, we could spend more time tackling anti-social behaviour at the earliest possible opportunity to reduce the impact on the city and our residents. We could employ more enforcement officers to work in the city centre and across the wider city.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 50%

Licensing:

Service failing in all respects of the council's statutory licensing obligations. No compliance work resulting in risks to public safety. Significant areas of unlicenced trading.

No policy development.  

Environmental Health:

No revenue generating work, unable to meet demand in any aspect of service delivery. Work places are less safe due to lack of regulatory intervention following an accident.

Food safety inspections are insufficient to prevent standards in the city dropping significantly, increasing food poisoning incidents, pest infestations.

No support to Public Health regarding infection control. 

Trading Standards

No longer viable to provide a service. Dangerous goods flood the market.

Sporting events take place without appropriate safety certifications in place, organised crime gangs increasingly target vulnerable persons in the city. Loss of revenue as no revenue generating services possible.

Housing compliance work insufficient to prevent deterioration in housing standards. Unable to licence all property within scope of mandatory scheme. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 10%

Licensing 

Compliance checks further limited to taxi trade only, no resource to cover other licensing areas such as alcohol and gambling. Shared service with Rutland Council stops as cannot meet contract obligations, resulting in revenue loss to Peterborough City Council.

Environmental Health  

Loss of revenue as unable to continue with all revenue generating work. Food safety standards in city decline, noise complaints not investigated. Further reduction in support to public health for infection control.

Trading Standards

Shared service with Cambridgeshire at risk of collapsing, this would add cost to Peterborough, and reduce effectiveness. Unable to meet contractual commitments leading to default and loss of revenue.

Incidents rise in respect of dangerous goods, poor livestock welfare, rogue trading, organised crime. Housing standard checks limited to mandatory licensing scheme, focus predominantly on poor housing standard complaints. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 5%

Licensing

Very limited compliance checks on licensable matters and follow up of complaints about them.

Environmental health

Reduction in support for public health disease control responses such as Covid-19, Legionella, E. coli. Input to support development control in terms of advising on measures to reduce harm to the environment reduced. Reduction in resource to investigate nuisance complaints (noise, odour, light). Resource reduction reduces ability to deliver revenue generating work resulting in additional cost.

Trading Standards 

Insufficient capacity to respond to regulatory complaints across significant parts of the service, in safety, welfare, and rogue trading. Greater risk to vulnerable persons from rogue traders, safety incidents relating to dangerous consumer goods exceed ability to handle them. Risk of failure to meet contact commitments with other councils and business rises, putting revenue and resilience at risk. Reduction in housing standard checks of let accommodation. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Licensing and public protection the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 5%

With extra budget, we could increase the number of people in our service and be able to carry out more inspections of food premises, shops, licensed premises and homes to ensure standards are being met. We would also be able to tackle more rogue traders.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Licensing and public protection by 10%

With extra budget, we could increase the number of people in our service and be able to carry out more inspections of food premises, shops, licensed premises and homes to ensure standards are being met. We would also be able to tackle more rogue traders.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 50%

All of the above plus increased risk of tensions across communities, increase in inequalities of access to services and widening gaps between our communities. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 25%

All of the above plus removal of all information, funding advice and governance support for community groups. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 10%

All of the above plus a reduction in our ability to be able to respond to community issues and co-ordinate proactive responses. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 5%

Removal of volunteering coordination and reduction in community engagement. Communities would begin to feel less involved and connected which would begin to create division between communities. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Community engagement and cohesion the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 5%

We could increase our engagement activities to support our many nationalities to get the very best out of their council services. We could host more events and activities which bring different communities together.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Community engagement and cohesion by 10%

We could increase our engagement activities to support our many nationalities to get the very best out of their council services. We could host more events and activities which bring different communities together.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Customer services by 50%

75% of calls would not get answered as wait times would increase.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Customer services by 25%

50% of calls would not get answered as wait times would increase.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Customer services by 10%

30% of calls would not get answered as wait times would increase.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Customer services by 5%

20% of calls would not get answered as wait times would increase.

Consequences of keeping the budget for Customer services the same

Maintain current levels of service. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Customer services by 5%

With an increase in budget, we would be able to reduce wait times even further.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Customer services by 10%

With an increase in budget, we would be able to reduce wait times even further.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 50%

Maintenance removed at more than half the parks and no grass cutting or play equipment, no grass pitches maintained.

No new tree planting, essential maintenance only on current tree stock.Removal of trees which may cause problems. 

Removal of play equipment and outdoor gyms. 

No bowling green maintenance, removal of Central Park facilities such as the paddling pool and aviary.

Likely increase in anti-social behaviour. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 25%

Reduction in maintenance frequency including grass cutting shrubs and hedge cutting across the city in all areas.

No tree planting and only essential maintenance done on current tree stock and removal of trees which may cause problems. 

Removal of play equipment and outdoor gyms. 

No bowling green maintenance, removal of Central Park facilities such as the paddling pool and aviary. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 10%

Reduction in maintenance frequency including grass cutting and shrubs and hedge cutting across the city in all areas.

Broken play equipment being removed rather than fixed or replaced. 

No bowling green maintenance, removal of Central Park facilities such as the paddling pool and aviary and a reduction in scrub and hedge cutting across the city. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 5%

No bowling green maintenance, removal of Central Park facilities such as the paddling pool and aviary and a reduction in shrub and hedge cutting across the city. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 5%

With an increase in budget, we could plant more flowers across the city and increase the frequency of grass, shrubs and hedge cutting. More money could be invested in play equipment.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Parks, trees and open spaces by 10%

With an increase in budget, we could plant more flowers across the city and increase the frequency of grass, shrubs and hedge cutting. More money could be invested in play equipment.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 50%

This would require a major reduction in the number of libraries, swimming pools and leisure centres available for residents as well as the museum service. Cost to attend swimming pools and for gym memberships would increase for the remaining sites. A review of indoor sports activity prices would be required to increase income. Savings and efficiencies would also have to be made on operational costs. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 10%

Cost to attend swimming pools and for gym memberships would need to increase significantly for all sites to remain open. Savings and efficiencies would also have to be made on operational costs. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 5%

Cost to attend swimming pools and for gym memberships would need to increase for all sites to remain open. Savings and efficiencies would also have to be made on operational costs. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Culture and leisure services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 5%

With more funding we could invest in new culture and leisure facilities for the city, including a new swimming pool to replace the outdated Regional Swimming Pool. Other facilities could be improved and updated.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Culture and leisure services by 10%

With more funding we could invest in new culture and leisure facilities for the city, including a new swimming pool to replace the outdated Regional Swimming Pool. Other facilities could be improved and updated.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City centre and events by 50%

Minimum cleansing in the city centre, no enforcement and no Christmas lights. People would be much less likely to visit the city which would impact local businesses and the economy. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City centre and events by 25%

Reduction in spend on Christmas lights and support for other events in the city centre. Cleansing and enforcement patrols also reduced and limited resource to renew   and enforce Public Space Protection Orders which could lead to increased levels of anti-social behaviour. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City centre and events by 10%

Fewer enforcement and engagement patrols leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour and a reduction in street cleansing in the city centre. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for City centre and events by 5%

Reduction in the hours patrolled in the city centre which would mean a likely increase in anti-social behaviour. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for City centre and events the same

Consequences of increasing the budget for City centre and events by 5%

With additional budget, we could spend more time and money keeping the city centre clean helping it look more attractive. We could also spend money updating street furniture and signage, planting flowers and staging events which attract visitors.

Consequences of increasing the budget for City centre and events by 10%

With additional budget, we could spend more time and money keeping the city centre clean helping it look more attractive. We could also spend money updating street furniture and signage, planting flowers and staging events which attract visitors.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 50%

Severe reduction to the statutory service - for example organising meetings and publishing agendas.  Sanctions against Electoral Services as unable to meet the legal responsibilities. Civic events drastically reduced, for example Remembrance events. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 25%

Unable to meet legal timescales, for example around the publication of agendas. Breach of legislation, resulting in sanctions. Electoral Services subject to challenge as team not sufficient to run and manage electoral process to appoint members. Reduced input into civic events such as Remembrance. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 10%

Delays to the statutory services, potential breach of legislation by not being able to publish agendas in time, resulting in possible sanctions. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 5%

Delays to the statutory services, for example length of time taken to publish meeting minutes, and potential breach of legislation resulting in possible sanctions. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for Constitutional and democratic services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 5%

An increased budget would allow us to host more civic events of national and local significance. More time could be spent supporting the role of mayor so that they are able to attend more events.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Constitutional and democratic services by 10%

An increased budget would allow us to host more civic events of national and local significance. More time could be spent supporting the role of mayor so that they are able to attend more events.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for IT and digital services by 50%

As well as the savings detailed in the 5%, 10% & 25% cuts, savings at this level would turn off all but social care, finance and payroll systems.

Almost a complete loss of IT services for staff and residents.

All council services would be impacted with some services not being able to run at all and longer waiting time for others.

This puts further strain on essential services with knock on impacts to other essential services that rely on us including NHS and schools. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for IT and digital services by 25%

As well as the savings detailed in the 5% and 10% cuts, there would be reduced business intelligence reporting at all levels which would affect the ability of the council to make informed decisions about what services to provide.

We would be failing in our responsibility to produce statutory returns and other key reporting functions, resulting in fines that further impact the council’s budget and ability to deliver services.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for IT and digital services by 10%

As well as the savings detailed in the 5% cut, we would also reduce IT support for all council services.

Staff and residents/service users could wait several weeks without being able to do their work or receive services. This would mean services wouldn’t run as they need to, putting further strain on essential services with knock on impacts to other essential services that rely on us including NHS and schools. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for IT and digital services by 5%

The IT and Digital Services which are used throughout the council, especially for front-line services, are complex and need specialist support from third party companies so that problems can be fixed quickly and not delay front line staff in delivering their services.

The council also needs to be able to protect all IT and digital services from events such as a cyber-attack (known as Disaster Recovery Systems). This level of cuts would mean we’d have no third-party support for critical infrastructure and would need to turn off Disaster Recovery Systems. 

As a result, it would take more than two weeks to recover all our systems if there was a cyber-attack or there were issues with the datacentre. This would mean council services would not be able to run as usual, including delays to benefit payments, missed bin collections and delays for people leaving hospital who will need support to live at home again. 

Consequences of keeping the budget for IT and digital services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for IT and digital services by 5%

If we were to increase our budget, we could provide further support to our end users and the wider public. We could ensure that people have the right skills set, faster resolution to issues they may have and increase our strength in cyber-security.

Consequences of increasing the budget for IT and digital services by 10%

If we were to increase our budget, we could provide further support to our end users and the wider public. We could ensure that people have the right skills set, faster resolution to issues they may have and increase our strength in cyber-security.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 50%

All of the corporate support services would be severely cut back. 

Each area would be able to manage significantly less work, meaning that issues around HR, finance, communications, audit and legal would not be properly managed.

The running of services would be severely impacted, resulting in delays and a poorer standard of service. The council would be at significant risk of legal challenge which would create a huge budget pressure. 

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 25%

In addition to the 5% and 10% savings, there would be a cut in support across all the corporate support services.

There would be significantly less legal support when required, meaning the council would run the risk of legal challenge, a much reduced HR team meaning departments would not get the advice they need to manage staffing issues and the council would be running the risk of not meeting its requirements in relation to governance and internal controls.

This could leave it open to challenge which could result in further government intervention and financial penalties.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 10%

In addition to the 5% savings, there would be a reduction in public information about the council which means people would not be informed of services and support which they could access.

Fewer people would be aware of key campaigns such as the appeal for more foster carers and the drive for people to access flu and Covid jabs – all of which improve people’s lives and the save the council money in other areas.

The legal team could not provide advice to all council's departments and to councillors when making their decisions.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 5%

The council’s corporate support services would not receive the funding that they need to support the running of council services.

This could mean delays and changes to the way services are provided for residents. For example, the process to recruit new staff would take longer meaning departments would be running for longer on vacancies and therefore services for the public would be affected.

There would be less financial support for departments to ensure the council could deliver a balanced budget – something it is legally required to do.

Consequences of keeping the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 5%

These services would have more resource to be able to meet the council’s demands and could improve the service offered by the council to the public in various ways.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Finance, Internal Audit, HR, Communications, Legal and other support services by 10%

These services would have more resource to be able to meet the council’s demands and could improve the service offered by the council to the public in various ways.

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 50%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 25%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 10%

Consequences of decreasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 5%

Consequences of keeping the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety the same

Maintain current levels of service.

Consequences of increasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 5%

The Procurement team would be able to provide more support to services in managing and maintaining their commercial contracts. 

Consequences of increasing the budget for Property, procurement, commercial, health and safety by 10%

With an increase in budget, the council could choose to invest further in its estate, improving the overall condition of its properties and minimising the risk of unplanned maintenance issues arising. The Procurement team would be able to provide more support to services in managing and maintaining their commercial contracts.