February 28, 2019 4.29 pm This story is over 61 months old

North Lincolnshire council tax will rise by 2.90%

A hike in council tax for North Lincolnshire residents
The Civic Centre in Scunthorpe. North Lincolnshire Council head offices.

Councillors in North Lincolnshire have backed a council tax hike of 2.90% for 2019/20.

The authority estimates that the increase will raise around £67 million, as well as £5.191 million for adult social care.

It means that the average band D property will increase from £1,313.61 to £1,354.75.

The authority will also use £1.3 million from its reserves to offset cost pressures.

Further plans also include £19.2 million for roads and pavement improvements, £7.5 million for local schools, £6.3 million for older and disabled home grants.

The council said the proposals represent a “balanced plan” based on funding available to the authority.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

Council leader, Rob Waltham, said the plan would deliver “value for money for taxpayers” and help to improve the region.

“This budget is in the interests of our residents,” he said.

“We are keeping our promise as being a low council tax authority and the money will be better in the pockets of our residents than ours.”

But, opposition leader, Councillor Len Foster, said the proposals were “yet another austerity budget”.

“This year the council will receive 50% less grants than it did nine years ago,” he said.

“It comes at a time when councils are regulated more and more, but councils have to do more with less.

“It’s just more control from a government that leaves us with less money.”

Councillor Foster tabled alternative measures for investment in roads, schools and adult care facilities, as well as a “root and branch investigation” into the future of Scunthorpe high street.

Councillors rejected the opposition proposals by 24 votes to 14, while the budget plans were passed.

Authorities 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 central government.

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