Harborough District Council proposes cutting its share of council tax by five per cent
Harborough District Council has proposed cutting council tax by five per cent as part of its draft budget.
A public consultation on the budget has been launched, which comes as the authority says it faces ‘significant financial challenges’.
Despite this the administration says it is proposing to reduce the district council’s share of council tax by five per cent, which is equivalent to £9.16 a year for a Band D property.
The proposed draft budget has been modelled over three years, factoring in the local Government reorganisation process, where it is expected a new unitary authority will be in place from April 2028.
However, 2028 and 2029 do require funding, the authority says, with this due to be achieved by using the council’s financial sustainability reserve.
The district council is proposing freezing car park charges across the authority area for a third year running, as well as offering three free parking Saturdays during December.
Other proposals include freezing green bin charges at £61 for a third year in a row, increasing fly-tipping enforcement penalties from £400 to £1,000 and creating a new community events area at the current bowls rink at Welland Park.
There is also a proposal to refurbish the Welland Park Bowls Pavilion for increased community use.
Further proposals include improving customer access to information and self-serve options by reopening a ground floor service at the district council offices at the Symington Building in Market Harborough, extending the £1 million Community Grant Fund into a fourth year, and developing plans for improvements to The Symington Recreation Ground.
Harborough District Council’s cabinet lead for finance services Cllr Jim Knight said: "I am pleased that this draft budget demonstrates our commitment to stability, investment and delivering real value for our residents.
"Despite financial pressures, we have been able to protect key services, support our communities and plan responsibly for the years ahead.
"I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
Cllr Knowles described the proposed budget as “a clear demonstration of our commitment and investment in our communities across the whole of the district.”
The consultation is open until 9am on February 6, before a few days later the council’s cabinet agrees formal recommendations on the proposed budget.