Northumberland County Council plans a tax increase starting in April, impacting residents’ bills significantly
Northumberland: So, it looks like Northumberland County Council is gearing up for a tax hike. Starting in April, residents will see their council tax bills go up. This was part of a two-year budget plan they agreed on last year.
If you live in a Band A property, your annual bill will jump by about £35.33, bringing it to around £1,216.97. And if you’re in a Band H property, expect an increase of about £105.99, totaling around £3,650.91. Ouch!
But hold on, that’s not the end of it. There are other charges that could add to your bill, like the parish precept and costs for adult social care. So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Deputy leader Cllr Richard Wearmouth mentioned that it’s pretty unlikely there will be any changes to this proposed increase. He was at a local meeting when a former council leader asked about the tax hike.
Wearmouth said they’re sticking to the plan of a 2.99% increase, which was set last year. Even though they’ve seen some funding go up, there are new costs piling on, like higher national insurance and wage increases for staff.
He also pointed out that losing a £3.2 million rural services grant has really hit the council hard. Just last week, council leader Glen Sanderson hinted they might have been able to cut taxes, but that’s not happening now.
Sanderson explained that they had hoped to make some savings and run things more efficiently, but unexpected costs and funding shortfalls have dashed those hopes. It’s been a tough year for budgeting, and they’re feeling the pinch.
In response, Labour leader Cllr Scott Dickinson said it’s about time they got a clear picture of the situation. He feels this confirms that the tax increase was already in the works.
