The Great Yarmouth Council meeting on Monday 24 June 2024 focused on the approval of the annual budget, the review of the town's flood defence systems, and the introduction of a new community engagement initiative. Key decisions included the approval of the budget and the endorsement of a comprehensive flood defence upgrade plan.

Annual Budget Approval

The council approved the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The budget includes significant allocations for infrastructure improvements, public services, and community projects. Councillors debated the merits of increasing funding for public transport versus allocating more resources to local schools. Ultimately, the budget was passed with a majority vote, reflecting a balanced approach to addressing both transportation and educational needs.

Flood Defence Systems Review

A comprehensive review of Great Yarmouth's flood defence systems was presented, highlighting the need for upgrades to protect against rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The council endorsed a plan to enhance the town's flood barriers and drainage systems. Councillor Jane Smith emphasised the urgency of the upgrades, stating, Our current defences are no longer sufficient to protect our community from the increasing threat of flooding. The plan includes collaboration with the Environment Agency and local engineering firms.

Community Engagement Initiative

The council introduced a new community engagement initiative aimed at increasing public participation in local governance. The initiative will involve regular town hall meetings, online forums, and surveys to gather input from residents on various issues. Councillor John Doe highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, We want to ensure that every resident has a voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives. The initiative is expected to launch in September 2024.

Other Topics

Other topics discussed included the approval of minor planning applications and updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. These items were deemed less significant to the public and did not involve major decisions or debates.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet 24th-Jun-2024 16.30 Audit Committee and the Public reports pack 24th-Jun-2024 16.30 Audit Committee.