Northumberland’s deputy council leader hints at a 2.99% rise in council tax, impacting budgets for residents starting in April
Northumberland: The deputy leader of the council, Richard Wearmouth, has some news. He mentioned that council tax is likely to rise by 2.99% in the upcoming budget. This increase would kick in from April.
Last year, the council agreed on this rise as part of a two-year budget plan. So, if you live in a Band A property, expect to pay about £1,216.97 a year. That’s an extra £35.33. For those in Band H, it’ll be around £3,650.91 after a £105.99 increase.
But remember, this doesn’t include other charges like the parish precept or social care costs. Coun Wearmouth said it’s unlikely there will be any changes to this proposed increase.
Previously, the council leader hinted at possibly cutting council tax in late 2024. But with the government’s funding announcement, it seems that plan is off the table.
During a recent meeting, Coun Wearmouth responded to a question from former council leader Jeff Reid. Reid wanted to know how much the council tax would actually go up.
Wearmouth confirmed that the budget is being finalized, but it’s looking like the 2.99% increase will stick. He explained that while funding has gone up, there are new pressures on the budget, like rising National Insurance and wage increases for staff.
He also pointed out that losing the £3.2 million rural services grant has put the council in a tough spot financially. The council leader, Glen Sanderson, had previously said they hoped to cut council tax this year, but that’s not happening now.
Sanderson mentioned that they made a two-year budget based on some assumptions. Unfortunately, those assumptions didn’t pan out as expected, leading to a shortfall in funding.
In response, Labour leader Scott Dickinson said it’s about time the council was honest about the situation. He feels this confirms that the tax increase was already planned.
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