February 5, 2019 11.40 am This story is over 62 months old

County councillors back tax hike

Rates are set to rise
The complaint will now be investigated | Picture: Calvin Robinson

Senior county councillors have a backed a 4.95% council tax increase for Lincolnshire.

It means the rate for an average band D property is set to rise from £1,231.47 to £1,292.40.

Councillors on Lincolnshire County Council’s executive backed the move which will see the general rate increase by 2.95% with an additional 2% adult social care precept.

The authority had proposed a 3.95% hike back in December 2018, but tabled a further 1% increase amid funding concerns.

Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill

Now, the hike is expected to get final approval at full council later this month.

Meanwhile, the authority is expected to see further cuts in grants from central government.

Money from the council’s revenue support grant, which is the main source of funding from government, is expected to fall to £20.139 million.

Lincolnshire County Council sign outside head offices on Newland, Lincoln. Picture: Calvin Robinson

It means the authority will have seen a £50.212 million cut in its grant over the past four years.

As a result, the county council has forecast a shortfall in its budget of £3.087 million.

But the authority has proposed to dip into its reserves in order to balance the books.

Council officers said the move would “smooth the effect” of government cuts.

County council leader, Martin Hill, said, compared to other authorities, the council was “in a better position” but still faced uncertainty.

“The position has improved from December,” he said.

“But we still have the uncertainty about what happens next year and I think it is still time to be prudent.”

Lincolnshire county councillor Colin Davie. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

He added that the government needs to clarify its funding position for local government.

Meanwhile, Councillor Colin Davie, executive member for economy and place, said Whitehall needs to come clean on funding for the county.

“This is a prudent position considering the uncertainty going into next year,” he said.

“But the government needs to get a grip on the fairer funding issue and we need a long term plan and vision.

“The council tax rise is a line that we have reached.”

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