LUTTERWORTH residents are set to pay less tax to Harborough District Council (HDC) from April.
The council proposes to reduce its share of Council Tax by five per cent, equivalent to £9.16 a year for an average Band D property.
In its draft budget for 2026-27, the council also proposes to freeze charges for car parking and green bins for the third year running, and offer free parking on three Saturdays in December.
HDC also plans to extend the £1million Community Grant Fund into a fourth year, invest in environmental services to tackle fly-tipping, increase fly-tipping enforcement penalties from £400 to £1,000, and increase project support to accelerate the Rewilding Harborough project.
Other proposals include investment in economic development projects, the introduction of the national weekly food waste collection service from November, and improvements to CCTV services.
Residents, businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to share their views on the draft budget as part of a public consultation.
A council spokesperson said: “Like all authorities, Harborough district faces significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, high inflation rates and changescare home pharma to government funding.
“However, the council wants to continue to deliver investment and improvements needed for the success of the district and its communities long into the future.
“The proposed draft budget has been modelled over three years factoring in the local government reorganisation process where it is expected a new unitary authority will be in place from April 2028.
“The 2026-27 budget is balanced, though the following two years do require funding. This is achieved by using the council’s financial sustainability reserve.
“Because of these reserves and the council’s careful and prudent management of its finances, the administration proposes to reduce Harborough District Council’s share of Council Tax.”
Coun Jim Knight, HDC’s Cabinet lead for Finance Services, said the draft budget demonstrated the council’s commitment to stability, investment and delivering value for residents.
He added: “Despite financial pressures, we have been able to protect key services, support our communities and plan responsibly for the years ahead. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
Council leader Coun Phil Knowles said: “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment and investment in our communities across the whole of the district, and builds upon the five pillars which have been built into our overall corporate plan.”
HDC’s cabinet has agreed to take the draft budget to public consultation.
On February 9, cabinet will agree its formal recommendations on the proposed budget to the full council for consideration on February 23.
Visit www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation to take part in the consultation before it closes at 9am on February 6.
