Council tax set to rise after unanimous vote

Councillors unanimously agreed the increase – representing a 3.55 per cent increase for Band D properties – in light of ‘further, steeper and deeper funding cuts’ by the Government.

Taking into account rises in the county council, police and average parish precepts, residents will pay a total of four per cent extra from April.

Presenting the council’s annual budget at full council today, cabinet member for finance and governance Philippa Hardwick said: “This budget incorporates spending plans that support our values of looking after our community and the environment, facilitates the supply of affordable housing, and helps the local economy to prosper.

“At the same time we demonstrate our hard fought financial resilience with this budget meeting all the tests of financial prudence.”