As a Labour run council we are committed to delivering for the people of Exeter despite a difficult financial context. We are doing this by finding creative ways to go beyond the statutory services we legally must provide.
This year has been extremely challenging and Exeter is not immune to the cost of living crisis.
Local Government in particular faces a difficult time ahead. We have endured 13 years of cuts from central government. This year’s unique inflationary pressures have caused higher staff salaries and energy costs. As a result, we estimate our funding gap will be a staggering £9.67m by 2025, around 18% of our operating budget.
This manifesto sets out how, across the City, Labour is continuing to respond to your needs as residents and, I believe, reflects our unwavering commitment to our shared vision for the City that:-
“By the time they are an adult, a child born in Exeter today will live in a city that is inclusive, healthy and sustainable, a city where the opportunities and benefits of prosperity are shared and all citizens are able to participate fully in the City’s economic, social, cultural and civic life.”
As such, our priorities in the coming year will be:
- Being on your side in the cost of living crisis
- Working to tackle the climate crisis
- Helping us to be active and healthy
- Listening to you and investing in Exeter
The key to achieving our priorities and success is working closely with all our partners in the City. We will continue to work collaboratively with others to find solutions to the problems we face.
I am determined that together we can overcome the challenges we face and achieve our vision for an inclusive, healthy and sustainable city.
Cllr Phil Bialyk, Labour Leader, Exeter City Council