Plans have been revealed to raise council tax in the Westmorland and Furness area from April next year.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it wanted people’s opinions about its proposals to increase its share of the tax by 2.99 per cent – plus the Government’s two per cent rise for the adult social care precept.
It said the 2.99 per cent increase was agreed after careful consideration, given the current economic climate and the uncertainty of future funding.
If approved, it will help the council achieve a balanced budget, which is a legal requirement, it said.
Council tax is made up of precepts from the local authority, the crime and fire commissioner for the police force and fire service, plus parish councils.
The council has launched a consultation on its budget proposals which will run until January 19.
The full consultation document can be viewed at www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/budget
What the planned council tax rise from Westmorland and Furness Council means for you
| Rateable value | 23/24 total | General council tax 2.99% | Adult social care 2% | 24/25 total | Total annual increase 4.99% | Weekly increase 4.99% |
| Band A (up to £40k) | £1,160.59 | £34.70 | £23.21 | £1,218.50 | £57.91 | £1.11 |
| Band B (£40,001 to £50k) | £1,354.03 | £40.49 | £27.08 | £1,421.60 | £67.57 | £1.30 |
| Band C (£52,001 to £68k) | £1,547.46 | £46.27 | £30.95 | £1.624.68 | £77.22 | £1.49 |
| Band D (£68,001 to £88k) | £1,740.89 | £52.05 | £34.82 | £1,827.76 | £86.87 | £1.67 |
| Band E (£88,001 to £120k) | £2,127.75 | £63.62 | £42.56 | £2,233.93 | £106.18 | £2.04 |
| Band F (£120,001 to £160k) | £2,514.62 | £75.19 | £50.29 | £2,640.10 | £125.48 | £2.41 |
| Band G (£160,001 to £320k) | £2,901.48 | £86.75 | £58.03 | £3,046.26 | £144.78 | £2.78 |
| Band H (£320,001 and over) | £3,481.78 | £104.11 | £69.64 | £3,655.53 | £173.75 | £3.34 |
Feedback from the public consultation will be considered by cabinet and then go to full council on February 22 with recommendations alongside the budget and medium term financial plan.
Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “As everyone knows it’s a tough financial climate out there and many people and families remain badly affected by the cost of living crisis. Like every household, and family, the council has also had to manage very high increases in many of its costs, such as materials and fuel.
“We have been working hard to balance the council’s budget in unprecedented financial times so that we can continue to support our residents and deliver our services. We also know that to be ready for the future we must continue to invest in transformation and new ways of working. We can’t do this alone and we recognise that by working together with our partners and communities we can make a difference, safeguarding essential services and driving forward positive change at a much quicker pace.
“Overall, considering the national picture, our budget is in reasonable shape but there are still many challenges and pressures. We are unlikely to receive the funding we really need from government.
“At the time of launching our consultation, we still have a £5 million gap, but this is manageable and we are working hard to reduce this so that by February 2024 we can agree a balanced budget, which is a legal requirement.
“We must also continue to transform services so we can realise savings as we move ahead and deliver on the benefits that can be achieved as a result of us being a unitary council.
“Our budget choices affect residents, the amount they pay and the services that they receive. That is why I am encouraging everyone, residents and partners alike, to have their say on this year’s budget consultation; so that we can shape our future together.”
