Council budget – the key details
From tax to business rates and sale of The Curve
Political parties in Slough clashed over the council’s budget for the coming financial year earlier this month.
The council approved its £162million budget, which was praised by the Tory leadership as a ‘path to recovery’ but criticised by Labour as ‘gaslighting’ residents.
Slough Borough Council issued a section 114 notice in 2021 – effectively declaring itself bankrupt – and its new budget has been set against a backdrop of multi-million pound debts.
As the council looks to generate more income to bring its finances into order, the Express has looked at what this budget will mean for the bills of residents and businesses in Slough.
Council tax
Perhaps the most headline grabbing part of this year’s budget is the 8.5 per cent increase in council tax residents will see in their bills.
Council tax is the largest revenue fund available to the council which, including the increase, it expects to generate £82million.
The 8.5 per cent rise is made up of a 7.9 per cent for general council tax, the costs of council services from bin collections to pot hole repairs.
It also includes a 0.5 per cent rise in the adult social care precept, a fee for the cost of providing social care for adults in the borough.
In total the new council tax charges, beginning from April 1, includes the fees for general council tax and adult social care, a fee for the police and crime commissioner as well as a fee fire and rescue.
Council tax is split based on the value of a property with more expensive (band H) paying more than the least expensive (band A).
For properties in band A, the total council tax fee is £1,454.86.
For band B this is £1,697.33 and band C is £1,939.81.
Band D is £2,182.28 and Band E is £2,667.23.
Band F is £3,152.18, band G is £3,637.14 and band H is £4,364.56.
Residents in Wexham Court, Britwell and Colnbrook & Poyle will also see a separate parish precept fee added to their bills which is also separated into bands.
More information on council tax in Slough can be found at tinyurl.com/ mryt6tky
Uniform Business Rates
(UBR)
The next largest revenue stream available to the council is business rates – a fee shops, restaurants and other businesses pay based on property value.
UBR is set by Government and redistributed back to a local authority, although the council does have some power over relief measures it can offer to businesses at its discretion.
For 2024/25 this is expected to generate Slough council £36million.
If you own a shop or restaurant your business rates may also see an increase this year as Government phases in changes.
Dependent on property value, maximum increases range from 10 per cent to 40 per cent – plus inflation
However, there are relief schemes available and businesses may be eligible for discounts set out by Slough Borough Council.
More information on Slough’s business rates can be found at: tinyurl.com/ 38jyemwk
Other fees, charges and council run-services
As part of the budget, the council has also looked to increase a wide range of fees from allotment lettings to waste disposal at sites in Chalvey.
Among the largest increases in the budget is a 330 per cent increase for littering fines to £500 (£300 if paid in 10 days).
Slough council has said it is looking to sell off The Curve venue, which it supports financially.
If the building, which hosts a library and entertainment venue, were sold the council says it would save around £1million.
Some charges and fees remain the same and for more information visit: tinyurl.com/44abexzb