Get braced for bigger council tax bill as full impact of Covid hits

Charnwood to see hike while county sets tax to the max

RESIDENTS RE in Charnwood face an increased inc tax bill as council finances have been bee “significantly impacted” by the coronavirus ona restrictions.

Charnwood C Borough Council is proposing pos to raise the annual charge for an average ave Band D property by £4.45 (3.6 per cenO cent), to £131.08, from April 1, 2021.

Officials are also proposing to increase the Loughborough Special Rate, the equivalent equ of a parish precept in villages and paid by residents of the town, by 1.99 perT per cent, to £77.98 a year.

This comes as Leicestershire County Council Co finance bosses have finalised budget bud plans set to increase council tax by five per cent.

If I approved later this month, ratepayers in t the county will see a standard two per cent cen increase – the maximum the Toryrun run authority can put bills up by – as well as a three per cent adult social care precept cep increase. The rise will mean the average age household paying £5.59 a month more than it does now.

The Covid-19 pandemic has added significant costs in the Charnwood borough, leading to a reduction in income from various areas including car parks, leisure centres and Loughborough Town Hall.

The impact is still expected to be felt in 2021/22, with projections it will account for £900,000 of lost income.

Councillor Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “We do not propose this increase lightly, but due to the pandemic, our finances have also been significantly impacted.

“We are already making savings of £1.5 million and generated more income, however to maintain frontline services we are proposing this increase in the Charnwood element of council tax.

“It’s worth remembering that the

Charnwood element only equates to 10 per cent of a resident’s total council tax bill.

“We believe the proposal is a reasonable increase to ensure we can continue to deliver first class services to both residents and local businesses.

“While the financial picture is tough, several long-planned investment projects are getting underway this year including the £2.6 million regeneration scheme at Bedford Square, Devonshire Square and Ward’s End in Loughborough; creating a visitor centre at the Outwoods; and work will start later this year on a new cemetery for Loughborough.

“A commitment to delivering excellent services remains our top priority and even with these proposed increases, our council tax rates remain one of the lowest in the country.”

The proposed budget for 2021/22 is around £19 million, including £1.5 million of savings and generating income of around £600,000 largely through investments in commercial properties.

Income from council tax, business rates and Government grants is expected to be around £18 million, meaning there is still a gap of £1 million which the council will use reserves to cover.

Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 188 district councils in the country.

Members of the council’s cabinet will consider the proposals at a meeting on Thursday, February 11, with its recommendation to go before full council on Monday, February 22.

Council tax pays for a range of services provided by Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, and the parish council where you live.

For more information about the draft budget, see the reports to cabinet on the borough council website.