2% rise on cards for village’s share of council tax

EARLY notice has been made of a rise in council tax precepts for people living within Burbage parish.

Residents will be paying an extra two per cent this year bringing the parish’s portion of the council tax demand to £68.51 - an increase from last year’s £67.60.

All figures are based on the costs for a band D property. Increases to other bands will be proportionate.

The boost will see Burbage Parish Council bring in £401,026.94 (as opposed to £383,505.00 last year) to pay for facilities and services.

Council leaders say the two per cent rise is due in part to revenue losses stemming from reduced support levels for parish councils.

The extra will be added to tax calls from Leicestershire County Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, fire and police authorities, which make up the biggest part of the total charge ratepayers will be asked to meet from April 1.

As well as the increase in the council tax precept the parish council is also looking to up various fees.

Hire charges for the Millennium Hall and some sporting facilities will go up by two per cent and burial ground charges by three per cent.

For the parish’s two allotment sites, gardeners who lease land will be asked to pay an extra £7.50 a year for a standard half plot.

While this is a significant bump it takes the annual cost to just £25 - or less than 50p a week.

This brings Burbage’s allotment fees more into line with other local authorities but the levy remains cheaper than in most areas.

Tenants will also be asked to pay £8.50 per annum for toilet provision at the Woodland Avenue site.

Council chairman Stan Rooney said: “The 2% precept increase we have approved is below current inflation. We aim to give best value for money - council and staff will continue to look for efficiencies in the management and maintenance of its parish responsibilities, providing community assets and enhancing the quality of life in Burbage.

“There are plans to improve the Horsepool this year, enhancing its visual contribution to the village area and making it more accessible and there are other areas where we believe improvements are possible.”

Final decisions on the other elements of the council tax charge have yet to be made by the other precept layers.