Budget Approval Brings Council Tax Rise

Harborough District Council has approved a rise in its share of council tax.

The 2.99% increase means residents of Band D properties paying just over £5 more a year.

The council says the rise is needed to prepare for a projected budget gap of £5.5m in future years, due to uncertainties around government funding.

The approval of the budget at a meeting last night gave the go-ahead for a fund to support residents affected by flooding last month, the upgrade of car park payment machines and the purchase of a new fleet of refuse lorries.

Cllr Mark Graves, cabinet member for finance, spoke at the full council meeting:

The budget approval also confirmed the continuation of a £1m fund for community projects for the next two years and the freezing of car parking and garden waste collection charges.

The opposition Conservative group called for no rise in council tax, but this was voted down by the ruling coalition administration.

Cllr Jon Bateman, leader of the Conservative group, tabled the amendment to freeze the charge at its current level:

Harborough District Council’s charge makes up just one part of council tax bills – Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and parish councils also make charges.