TAXPAYERS in Lutterworth are being asked to pay an extra £5 a year on Harborough District Council’s (HDC) share of Council Tax as it faces ‘unprecedented financial challenges’.
The council says its draft budget proposals for 2024-25 – which are now open to public consultation – will ‘make savings and still deliver effective and efficient public services’.
The council has proposed to increase its share of Council Tax by 2.99 per cent – an extra £5.32 a year for an average Band D property. There is no proposed increase in green waste charges or car parking fees.
An HDC spokesperson said: “Like many local authorities and households across the country, the council is facing unprecedented financial challenges. These challenges include the continued uncertainty over government funding, inflation increases and the rise in living costs for residents.
“The proposed draft budget is balanced over the medium term, but the council predicts a £7.2million budget gap from 2025-26 and it is anticipated that the authority will need to use its reserves in later years.”
A budget of £1.1million has been allocated to produce the new Harborough District Local Plan 2020-2041 – but an additional estimated budget of £1.9million will be required to ensure it is ready to meet the government’s June 2025 deadline.
A waste contract extension due to changes in the disposal of waste will cost a further £400,000 per annum from 2027-28.
The council plans to continue with its Capital Programme over the next four years, which will see investment in local projects including the development of Lutterworth Town Centre Heritage Action Zone, a £1million refurbishment of Lutterworth leisure centre, and potential investment into solar farms and homeless provision.
HDC finance spokesman Coun Mark Graves said: “Inevitably there is a proposal for Council Tax to rise. However, we are committed to providing quality services, supporting residents in the greatest need, securing good growth and tackling climate change.
“We invite people to tell us their views on the priorities we have set and our proposals to make sound financial decisions now to protect services in the future.”
Visit www.harborough.gov.uk/budget-consultation for more information – or to take part in the consultation, which closes at 9am on February 12.
