Myths on council funding

Here are some common misconceptions on our work and our funding.

Myth - you just collect the bins and fill potholes, so it should not cost so much

Reality - most of our money (about 65 per cent) is used to look after and support those most in need. 

These are children with special educational needs, people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and those with mental health issues or issues that come with old age. 

It also includes making sure children and vulnerable adults are kept safe from harm or abuse. 

Collecting waste and recycling and looking after roads are important but they are certainly not the only things we do. 

Myth - all the new houses bring you lots more money, so should not be short of funds

Reality - when housing developers build homes, they do have to either build the necessary infrastructure and facilities themselves or pay us to build them.

This is how new schools, roads, sport and community facilities are paid for. 

But this money can only be used to build what is needed, it cannot be used to pay ongoing costs. 

For example, if a development is large enough to need a new sports facility, the developers must build it or pay for it to be built. But they do not pay for the running costs.

Of course, new residents pay Council Tax, but they also need the same services and support as everybody else – so we do not gain overall.

Myth - the council is inefficient and could make enough savings without any changes to services

Reality – We were recently rated one of the five most productive councils in England in an independent national report by consultants Impower. 

Impower looked at how well councils provide key services relative to how much they spend. 

We constantly look for more efficient ways to work and have, as a result, found the saving needed to keep a balanced budget and provide services despite funding cuts. 

Over the past three years, we have found more than £30m of savings.

Myth - you spend loads of money on EDI (equalities, diversity and inclusion), if that was stopped, more services could be provided

Reality - we take our responsibility to promote equality and celebrate diversity seriously and are committed to creating a fair place where everybody can thrive.

Our direct expenditure on EDI is tiny compared with other areas.