Cabinet to discuss proposal for further Council Tax increase

Cabinet members will be asked to agree a consultation on an amendment to the proposed Council Tax increase at a meeting next week.

Following the announcement of the Local Government Funding Settlement just before Christmas, the Council is now considering a 2.99% Council Tax increase, plus a social care precept of 3% (5.99% in total) for 2018/19.

At a meeting last month, Cabinet agreed to consult on a 1.99% Council Tax increase, plus a social care precept of 3% (4.99% in total).

That consultation is still ongoing and will run until 24 January.

If Cabinet approves the amended recommendations in the report, the consultation will then change to reflect the higher proposed Council Tax increase.

A report prepared for Cabinet says that, while there is no new money from Central Government in the funding settlement, local authorities have been given flexibility to raise Council Tax by an additional 1% for the next two financial years. This would enable the council to increase revenue to offset grant losses.

Cabinet meets at 5pm on Tuesday 9 January, in Committee Room 2 at the Town Hall.