Council Tax Set To Rise

Leicestershire County Council plans to increase council tax by the maximum amount allowed.

It is proposing a 4.99% rise from April, meaning residents in a Band D property paying an additional £80 a year.

The Conservative-run council says it has no option but to propose the increase, as it remains the lowest funded in the country.

Acting Leader, Cllr Deborah Taylor, said she understands it will impact residents:

The council, which has responsibility for things like social care, highways and education, say the tax rise would raise an additional £20m, but it would likely be ‘wiped out’ by the impact of the rise in employer National Insurance rates announced by the Government.

Its budget plan for next year includes using cash from reserves to help balance the books, but no cuts to services are planned.

The authority will find out next week how much cash it will get from central government, but Cllr Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, said he is not confident it will be enough:

The council says it is  ‘as lean’ as it can be, has a ‘firm grip’ on finances, but still faces a £95m gap in spending in four years time.

Its charge makes up the largest proportion of residents’ council tax bills, although there will also be charges by Harborough District Council, police, fire and in some areas parish and town councils.

Both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamponshire Council are also proposing a 4.99% rise in their share of council tax.