March 3, 2023 10.00 pm This story is over 25 months old

North Kesteven approves 2.76% council tax rise as part of budget

A £4.95 rise for Band D
North Kesteven District Council. | Photo: James Mayer

North Kesteven District Council has approved its budget for the upcoming financial year, which includes a council tax rise of 2.76%.

The move equates to a £4.95 increase for Band D properties.

During a meeting on Thursday, Conservative council leader Councillor Richard Wright said the authority was facing significant challenges including an uncertain economic future, high levels of inflation, and potential reform to local government finance.

He praised the budget for including investments of over £50 million in general fund services, £17 million in housing revenue account, and £126 million in providing new homes.

The council’s budget includes investment in climate change initiatives, with plans to make hundreds of homes more energy-efficient, as well as support for small businesses and community projects.

Councillor Wright said the budget would “enable us to continue to invest in our communities, protect frontline services and support our most vulnerable residents.

“This budget is still built on delivering high quality, value for money services, and a commitment to serving our communities.

“At a time of such challenge for this council, our residents and our businesses, it is testament to this council and all our support that we have balanced sound financial management, with ambition that is backed by such significant investment.”

Councillor Marianne Overton, Leader of the NK Independents, acknowledged the challenges faced by the council, such as inflation, energy costs, and staff capacity, but praised the council for successfully dealing with them.

“We have proposed support for the council to work more on tackling climate change and decarbonization and that’s been really well put into effect. Hundreds more homes are going to be more energy efficient, and more more will be needed,” she said.

The increase comes on top of a 4.99% increase by Lincolnshire County Council and a 5.41% rise for Lincolnshire Police’s precept.

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