2.99 % tax rise ‘to make residents’ lives better...’

District council gives approval for increase

We are trying hard to protect the local taxpayers

Sybil Ralphs

APPROVAL has been given by the ruling cabinet of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to increase council tax by 2.99 per cent for the forthcoming financial year.

The decision will now mean a Band D council tax of £163.14 for 2022/23 plus a Band D council tax of £52.92 for Leek and £10.64 for Biddulph for 2022/23 in respect of special district expenses.

The news comes on top of Staffordshire County Council, who take the largest slice of the tax, increasing its share also by 2.99 per cent.

The county council tax rise, which includes the one per cent social care precept, will see the amount Band D households pay to the county council increase from £1,360.62 to £1,401.30 a year, a £40 rise.

On top of these two council tax rises the police put forward an increase in their share of council tax of 4.19 per cent, equivalent to £10 per annum for a Band D property. This was approved by the Police, Fire & Crime Panel at a meeting on January 31. The proposed increase for the fire service is set to be announced this week.

Speaking at the Moorlands council’s cabinet meeting last week, council leader Sybil Ralphs, said: “Council tax will increase by 2.99 per cent which equates to a rise of £4.74 a year for a Band D property. This is less than the maximum allowed by the government.

“We are trying hard to protect the local taxpayers. We have been prudent to keep it at this level. There will be no change to the special district charges for Leek and Biddulph.

“We have also received a good settlement from the government.

“Investment proposed includes LED lights on car parks at a cost of £134,000; a bio-diversity strategy, £25,000 and community funding £20,000.

“We are also investing in green vehicles and improvements to car parks along with electric charging points.

“The budget will mean minimal use of reserves. We are in a strong financial position to face any uncertainty ahead.

“We want to help people and improve services.

“I would like to have frozen the council tax increase, but we could not go lower than 2.99 per cent.

“Staffordshire County Council has done a good job with their budget. It is half of what some councils have put forward.”

Councillor Mike Bowen said: “We are not building new offices, it’s about helping residents make their lives better.”

Councillor Mark Deaville said: “We have always been prudent and give the best value for Staffordshire Moorlands residents. We also aim to give the best services.”