Councillors agree Council Tax rise for Melton borough residents

The decision – which needs to be ratified by a full council meeting on February 26 – will see the borough council’s share of Council Tax bills rise by 2.99 per cent.

Leicestershire County Council, which takes by far the biggest share of Council Tax, has also proposed to increase their amount by the same percentage, which equates to about £50 extra year for the average priced home.

The police levy, set by the county crime commissioner, will see the policing share go up by £15 a year. Final Council Tax bills will also include contributions to the Leicestershire fire service and parish councils.

Melton Borough Council said it had to balance a reduction in government funding and a desire to keep household bills down in the cost of living crisis while also supporting key services when calculating the budget for the next year.

To maintain a balanced budget, the council will use £44,000 of reserves to fund a net shortfall following decreased funding from central government of five per cent.

Councillor Sarah Cox, portfolio holder for corporate finance, property and resources, commented: “The council continues to manage its finances carefully and responsibly, despite the significant pressures facing local authorities, especially rural authorities, across the country.

"I am pleased that we have once again developed a balanced budget which protects our essential services and supports the priorities our residents tell us matter most.

“We recognise that cost of living is still a concern for many households and financial pressures remain, which is why we have kept the Council Tax increase as low as practically possible while still ensuring we can provide services that matter most to our communities, invest in our borough and continue to support residents that need our help the most.

“Through prudent management and a commitment to delivering value for money, we are making sure Melton remains a place where people can thrive, now and into the future.”

Priorities for funding in the Melton borough in the next 12 months include the redevelopment work at the Stockyard to provide business, cultural and events facilities.

Money is also going into initiative to tackle homelessness, investment in planning systems and processes to make them more efficient and transparent, support for health checks on farmers at the livestock market and work on council-owned buildings and community spaces to ensure they remain fit for purpose and cost effective for the community.

Melton Borough Council say the total funding package provided is five per cent less than last year, whilst demands from central government are increasing, such as the need to make funding provision for Local Government Reorganisation.

Overall Council Tax levels, incorporating proposed changes from all precepting authorities, will be considered at the full council meeting due to take place on Thursday February 26.