An online survey seeking the views of local people went live after Leader James Dawson held a summit with fellow members of Erewash’s Council Executive.

They agreed that to balance the authority’s budget this year Council Tax will have to rise by 2.99 per cent – with savings also needing to be made across a range of services and ways found to generate additional income. The online survey allows residents the opportunity to comment on proposals.

While the council is able to balance its budget this year, it is also looking ahead to the future. Unless fresh savings are found a financial crisis will loom next year. The authority’s financial gap could be as high as £700,000.

In 2026 the budget shortfall could top £2.5million – although the council will not know for sure until it has confirmation of funding.

Cash-squeezed Erewash has so far managed to remain debt-free unlike many other councils, some of which have effectively gone bust.

To help plan for the future, residents are being asked about their priorities and views on a range of issues from Council Tax to car park changes.

There is even a question about Erewash’s two town halls – and whether the council should move out of one or both.

The borough has dual town halls as a hangover from the 1974 merger of Ilkeston and Long Eaton district councils. The two towns have very separate identities, which explains why operations continue to be split across the HQs in each.

The consultation is lasting three weeks until early February – and can be found at EBC 2024-25 Budget Survey (snapsurveys.com)

The full council will vote on the budget strategy in March. Councillor Gordon Thomas, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Resources, said:

 “We really want to hear from residents – so please take the time to go online and fill in the survey.

 “This is your council and there is no getting away from the fact that we are likely to face some tough choices – not least because local people have been short-changed for years in terms of funding.

 “Since 2015 Erewash has been losing out on a massive £2.3million a year compared to the average that councils across the country have been getting.

 “That’s clearly unfair – and myself and Leader Cllr Dawson have written to the government along with other councils to lobby for a fairer shake.”