Council tax to rise by 4.99 per cent from April
Residents in Dudley borough will continue to pay among the lowest council tax bills in the country, despite a 4.99 per cent rise.
Dudley Council approved the increase, which includes two per cent for services for older and vulnerable people, at a meeting tonight. (Mon)
The rise from April equates to around £1.23 per week for a typical band B property, which is less than the average cost of a loaf of bread.
To help those most in need the authority is putting money back into the budget. Councillors agreed to add £1 million to the existing Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme, which supports residents who are facing extreme financial difficulties with their council tax payments.
A further £200,000 will be put into the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme for people who are in receipt of either Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit Rent Element with additional help with their rent payments.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance said:
“This has been a challenging budget to set.
“Like so many authorities we are facing unprecedented pressures, meaning we are having to make tough decision to balance the books.
“It’s important we work to ensure a sustainable future. Therefore with this year’s budget, rather than just plan for one year, we have put in place measures for the next five years. There will not be many councils throughout the UK which can achieve this in the current climate.”
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“Throughout these difficult times we remain committed to delivering essential high-quality services our residents can rely on.
“We also want to protect services we know are important to people, such as libraries, leisure centres, halls, and family hubs.
“Answering criticism from The Local Government Peer Review and CIPFA reports we have not only set a legal budget, but one which adds to reserves this year and for the next five years.
“We know there will continue to be challenges ahead, but with our five-year plan we have a future that encourages the annual growth of our reserves and protects services for our residents.”
Notes to editors:
*The £1.23 figure is from the Dudley Council element. The rise is £1.51 per week when including the police and fire precept.