Councillors propose 2.99% tax rise for year ahead

COUNCILLORS say the coming year’s budget will have to take account of less-than-expected government funding, lower income and higher costs.

To compensate for the lower settlement, Rutland councillors said the government expects the authority to raise council tax by up to 5 per cent from April.

However, the cabinet said it is proposing an increase of 2.99 per cent and using £2.6 million from its reserves.

Members were meeting yesterday to consider the recommendations and whether the draft budget can be put out for consultation with residents and businesses.

Councillor Gordon Brown, cabinet member for finance, said: “Rutland County Council is an efficient authority spending less per head on services compared with other similar unitary authorities, while at the same time being recognised as best in class for adult social services, in the top 25 authorities for recycling waste in England and with better maintained roads than our larger neighbouring authorities.

“The recommendation to cabinet will be to keep the increase in council tax just to a 2.99 per cent increase. This will still leave a deficit of more than £2.6 million, which will need to be addressed by reducing costs.

“This, in turn, will mean changes in the way we operate and some reductions in services over the next year.

“We do not feel that it is fair of government to expect Rutland to increase council tax by 5 per cent.

“Our levels of tax are already amongst the highest in England and we are an efficient authority.

“We have made it clear to our MP and government the expectation of large increases of council tax is not sustainable as it will make Rutland a less affordable place to live, especially for young families.

“Government continues to spend less on council services each year, while expecting taxpayers to fill this gap. It is not realistic and we are backing the Local Government Association’s call for government to add an extra £5 billion to council funding nationally so we can continue to meet the needs of residents.”

The council said some short-term extensions have had to be made to contracts such as the waste collection. It must also fund a programme to fell trees affected by ash dieback.