March 3, 2020 1.24 pm This story is over 48 months old

“Balanced” Boston budget including 2% hike backed

Leaders say it equates to 7p a week
Boston Borough Council offices in West Street.

Boston Borough Council has approved a 2.05% council tax increase as part of its budget for 2020/21.

A meeting of the full council agreed the £3.87 hike on Monday night bringing the amount a Band D property will pay to £192.96.

Those living in the Boston Town Area Committee area will see another 1.94% added onto the special expenses precept.

Leaders were keen to highlight that the increase equated to 7p a week and that almost 90% of properties in Boston were rated below band D and would pay less.

Finance portfolio holder Councillor Martin Howard said:  “The council has a proven record of notable successes in recent years including the Boston Barrier Project, adoption of the Local Plan, delivering savings of £3 million per year as part of the transformation programme [since 2011].

“The balanced budget will continue to deliver services and recognises challenges to be faced in future years, whilst only increasing borough tax levels by 2.05%.”

The latest move will bring in £3,715,040 in the council’s precept, an increase of £97,011 on last year. Boston Town Area Committee is hoping to bring in £702,696 through its part of the precept.

The budget includes a further £450,000 of savings, but says it will need to cut another £1,421,000 by 2024/25.

Lincolnshire County Council has approved a 3.5% rise – an extra £45 and taking its share for a Band D property to £1,337.58.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones has increased his share by 4.1% –  an extra £9.99 for a Band D property. It takes the police share of tax to £217.44.

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