January 31, 2019 5.38 pm This story is over 62 months old

South Kesteven District Council proposes 3.25% tax hike

South Kesteven will charge more for council tax
Councillors voted to give the absent councillors six more months dispensation | Photo: SKDC

South Kesteven District Council will propose a council tax increase of 3.25% for 2019/20.

The move would see the authority raise its share by £5, the highest rate before a local referendum would be required.

It would mean the rate for an average band D property would rise from £153.62 to £158.62.

Senior councillors will make a decision on the plan at a cabinet meeting on February 7 before going before full council.

The council said the increase would bring raise an estimated £7.475 million in income.

Meanwhile the authority’s chief finance officer said in a report that it was “inevitable” that the budget carried “significant risk” due to the national financial situation of the public sector.

It comes as councils across the region are looking at other avenues of income in the face of funding cuts from government.

Councils are expected to see a further reduction in their revenue support grant, the main source of funding from Whitehall.

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire County Council has proposed to increase its share of council tax by 4.95%.

The increase would include 2.95% for general council tax and 2% extra for adult social care precept for 2019/20.

County council leader Martin Hill acknowledged however, that the public was at the limit with council tax rises and moved to reassure people.

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