Council tax increase proposed as part of budget blueprint
Proposals to increase council tax by 4.99 per cent in 2026 will go before cabinet for discussion next week.
The increase will help to fund £18 million worth of investments in frontline services and bolster reserves to further solidify the financial sustainability of the authority.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for resources, said:
“Increasing council tax is something we never like to do as an authority.
“The reality however is that in the challenging financial climate we find ourselves in, almost every local authority in the country will have to do exactly as we are doing.
“Despite the increase - if approved - our council tax would still be well below the national average and continue to offer good value for money services to the people of this borough.
“The money will help fund £18 million of investments in critical frontline services to protect the most vulnerable adults and children in our borough.
“Soon we will be launching a consultation so residents can have their say on the budget proposals. We’ll listen to that feedback before we set the final budget early next year.”
The budget will be discussed at the next meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday December 10. It takes place from 6pm at Dudley Council House and members of the public are welcome to attend.