We are being asked if we would be prepared to pay more council tax as finance bosses look to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kent County Council is planning for next year's budget as it faces what it says will be its 'toughest financial challenge' for many years.

The authority has been forced to spend more than anticipated in recent months as Covid-19 took hold. Now, there's a warning of tough decisions to make ends meet as the council is legally required to balance its spending with what it receives from council tax, business rates, government grants and other income.

Cllr Peter Oakford (Con), KCC’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “Since 2010, we have made savings in excess of £710million as we responded to cuts in government funding coupled with an increased demand for some of our services.

“But this is the biggest financial challenge we have faced in that time. The future is uncertain and even though we will not know how much funding we will receive from the government, we have to make plans now to balance next year’s budget.

“We have to consider making some difficult decisions about where to reduce our spending. We are asking residents for their opinions so we can take those into account in drafting our next budget.

“We are therefore asking residents to let us know their views on two key areas – which of our numerous services they think should be most protected and whether they support an increase in council tax to help fund them.”

What does this mean for you?

If council tax was to be increased by just under 2%, which is the limit traditionally set by government, the annual bill for an average band C property would rise by £24. That would take the total yearly payment to £1,225.12. This does not include the money paid to the police, district, borough, town and parish councils or the fire service.

At the moment, the council is also able to ask for additional funds to support adult social care costs. If that were to continue, another 2% rise in 2021/2022 would generate a further £14.4 million pounds and take annual payments for a household in band C to £1,249.12

The county council still does not know how much money it will be getting from central government next year and the full financial impact of the pandemic is not clear.

However, it is feared the recession will affect the level of income the authority receives from council tax and business rates.

What does the money that goes to KCC pay for?

• 84 children’s centres and early years services
• Supporting 1,600 children in care and 1,700 care leavers
• Fostering, adoption and 10,000-plus social work cases
• Working with 583 schools on places, planning and access
• Special educational needs and disability including transport
• Apprenticeships, skills and career pathways for young people
• Public health and wellbeing services
• Sports, arts, culture and heritage
• Highways, waste management and concessionary travel
• Active travel, public rights of way and country parks
• 99 libraries, mobile libraries and archives
• Community safety, emergency planning and trading standards
• Registration and coroners' services
• Economic development and strategic planning
• Support for 4,900 adults with learning disabilities
• 4,100 permanent residential care placements
• Support for 3,200 social care clients with mental health needs
• Support for 1,200 older people in nursing care homes
• 7,000 people receiving care and support at home
• Support for 5,300 adults with physical disability and sensory needs
• 2,400 people using day care services in their community

What happens next?

A consultation to find out what we think will run until November 24 - click here to take part.

Responses from the consultation will be discussed by council members at a cabinet meeting in January next year.

The budget will be debated and approved at a meeting of the full council the following month.

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