Gateshead Council is asking locals for their thoughts on a proposed tax hike as they face significant budget cuts and a funding gap
This comes as they face a £34 million funding gap. The council plans to raise the tax by 2.99% and add another 2% for adult social care. They’re hoping to get feedback from locals until February 9.
The council admits they can’t fix this gap just by raising taxes. They’re also planning to save around £4.8 million and dip into £8.5 million of reserves. Right now, they spend a lot on social care, which is a big part of their budget.
The average council tax bill in Gateshead is about £1,423. Most homes in the area fall into the lower tax bands. They’re also looking into safety issues with the flyover, which has been a concern for a while.
Councillor Martin Gannon mentioned that asking for a tax increase is tough. They’re trying to balance the budget while still providing essential services. He noted that tax hikes are happening all over the country.
Residents can share their thoughts on the proposals through the council’s website or by email. After the consultation, the budget will be discussed on February 18 and voted on by the full council on February 20.
