LCC Council Tax Rise Likely

Residents look set to pay more for services provided by Leicestershire County Council next year.

The authority’s draft budget proposes a 2.99% council tax rise – around £50 extra a year for a Band D household – which would generate an additional £12.9m.

The Reform UK-led council is facing a funding gap of more than £100m by 2030 and is carrying out a major efficiency review.

The government has yet to confirm its funding allocation, meaning plans could still change.

Leader, Cllr Dan Harrison said Reform’s aspiration was to freeze council tax, but that conditions were ‘unlikely to allow for that next year’.

He said: “Our budget is designed to make the best use of resources and tackle the issues that matter to our Tax Payers.

“We’re at a pivotal moment where soaring service demand is adding huge pressure and bold action is required to bridge a large budget gap. This is a big job which we can’t fix overnight but with the work just weeks in, I’m pleased that our top-to-bottom review is starting to deliver and pinpoint opportunities.

“With the Government’s position on funding far from clear, after delaying the release of information, these proposals are just a starting point.

“Over the next few months, our deep-dive is also set to identify more options to unlock savings, allowing us to develop a comprehensive efficiency plan. A Council Tax freeze is our aspiration but conditions are unlikely to allow this for next year.”

A public consultation on the proposed budget will be held before a final decision is taken in February.