District Council Approves Council Tax Freeze

Harborough District Council has agreed to make no increase in what it charges residents in council tax.

The amount will be frozen at last year’s level after the authority’s budget was approved by councillors last night, meaning the yearly cost will stay at just over £177 for an average Band D property.

The opposition Conservative group called for the charge to be cut – by £5 for a Band D home – but this was rejected by the ruling coalition administration.

Cllr Simon Galton, Deputy Leader of the Council, told HFM he is pleased with the budget and being able to freeze council tax:

Bin collections are among services provided by Harborough District Council

The approval of the budget also means green bin charges and car parking charges will remain frozen for the forthcoming year and free parking will be offered in the council’s car parks on Saturday during December in the run-up to Christmas.

The council is also proposing to invest in communities, with grants totaling £1m to be made available for parishes to bid for, which will be supported by a new Community Engagement Officer.

The council has initially recommended raising its part of council tax bills by 2.99% but changed its plan after receiving unexpected additional business rates income from Magna Park near Lutterworth along with an improved government grant.

Despite the district council’s share of council tax being frozen, bills will increase overall as Leicestershire County Council and Police are both putting up charges.