January 7, 2020 4.29 pm This story is over 50 months old

Council tax hike and savings to fund £6m for Lincolnshire roads and flooding

Lincolnshire County Council is also proposing putting up council tax by 3.5%
Stock photo of a flooded road.

Lincolnshire County Council has pledged to spend £6 million on road repairs, flood prevention and response.

The council’s executive approved the plans in the new budget proposals for 2020/21, which will now go out to public consultation.

Under the plans, the council will also set aside £350,000 for a ‘green masterplan’, with the council aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050.

There has been no increase in central government money for local councils, but Lincolnshire County Council believes it can fund the plans with £14 million in what it calls efficiency saving as well as a council tax hike.

Council tax could go up by 3.5% overall, with a 1.5% increase for general council tax and a further 2% increase for adult social care.

As a result, council tax for a Band D property would increase by £45.18 a year to £1337.58.

The remaining cash will be set aside for some other projects, including:

  • The creation of new school places
  • Replacement of the Skegness and Kirkby on Bain household waste recycling centres
  • Projects to boost economic growth and reduce traffic congestion in Boston
  • an extension to Horncastle Industrial Estate
  • North Hykeham Relief Road
  • Spalding Western Relief Road
  • Improvements to tackle pinch-points along the Lincolnshire Coastal Highway

Final proposals will be put before the full council in February.

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that road repairs and flooding are a priority for many residents.

“So, despite the continued reduction in our main government grant, we’re proposing to spend around £4 million on 16 extra highways gangs next year, who’ll carry out additional maintenance across the county, including pothole repairs.

“In addition, more than £2 million will go towards extra drainage repairs and new flood-response equipment for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

“£350,000 will be set aside for a ‘green masterplan’, with the council aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 – or sooner if that’s practicable.

“Although it’s an improving picture for council finances, there are still challenges ahead, particularly with regard to the ever-growing demand for adult care.

“The government has provided an additional £14 million towards adults and children’s social care this year, but we urgently need to see a long-term plan for dealing with an ageing population.

“It’s vital this uncertainty over future funding is addressed so we can be sure that residents will continue to receive the best possible care.

“We’ll also continue to push for fairer funding for Lincolnshire. It’s long been recognised that rural areas like ours receive less than their fair share of Government money. It’s time for that to be put right.”