An increase in council tax is being suggested in a district council’s draft budget plans.
Breckland Council is inviting residents to share their views on its proposed plans, which the cabinet is set to discuss on January 8 at its meeting.
Members will discuss the proposed budget for 2024/25, which outlines how money on district council services will be spent over the coming year.
Phil Cowen, Breckland Council’s executive member for finance revenue and benefits, said: “Breckland Council has proposed a balanced budget that aims to avoid cuts to core services, despite the increasing pressure on public spending and the rising costs of inflation.
"This proposed budget is a positive step that will help maintain the quality of life for residents in the area and ensure the district thrives.”
Breckland also highlights that it will continue to set aside funding for ongoing support for some of the district's most vulnerable residents and look to maintain support for businesses - including a continuation of the centrally-funded discount for local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that pay business rates, at a reduced rate of 75pc.
The council expects to be able to deliver these initiatives and balance the budget if it increases the annual district council tax by £4.95 for a band D property in 2024/25.
For a typical Band D property in Breckland, that equates to around £114 per year in district council tax.
Most people in the district would see a smaller rise in district council tax, as around 75pc of the houses are in bands A-C, which pay lower tax rates.
Members of the public are being invited to comment on the draft budget proposals as part of a consultation which runs until January 21 - these will be taken into consideration before the finalised budget is presented to full council for discussion in February.
You can share your feedback on the draft proposals for the 2024/25 budget by emailingconsultation@breckland.gov.uk before midnight on the closing day of Sunday, January 21, 2024.
For more information about the budget proposals and how to take part in the consultation. visit the council’s offices in Dereham or Thetford.
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