Last few days to have your say – on Council Tax Increase Proposals

Last few days to have your say – Deadline reminder as hundreds share views on Council Tax proposals

If you haven't had your say on Westmorland and Furness Council's proposals for changes to your Council Tax from 1 April you only have until Friday 17 January 2025 to share your views with the council.

Details of the consultation and how to respond can be found on the councils website at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/budget.

Copies of the consultation document are also available in council offices including Voreda House in Penrith, as well as local libraries.

After considering the current economic climate and the uncertainty of future funding from Government, Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking resident's views on a proposal to increase the council's share of Council Tax by 2.99% for next year along with an additional 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, resulting in a total increase of 4.99%.

The proposals are intended to ensure that the council can continue to provide essential local services and deliver on its priorities as set out in its Council Plan.

Cllr Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said:

"I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond so far. As you would expect, there are a wide range of views on what we are proposing, both in support and opposition. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible, so I'd encourage anyone who hasn't yet to have a look at the consultation and let us know what they think."

Feedback from the public consultation will be considered by Cabinet and then go to Full Council on 27 February 2025 with recommendations, presented alongside the Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

On Monday evening Penrith Town Council agreed its own budget for the year ahead with an increase in its precept for 2025/26 of £514,740 is an increase of £27,005 from the 2024/25 precept of £487,735. The increse the town council says will however result in a zero persentage increse for hosuholds in Penrith due to an increse in the tax base used for calculations of the precept due to an increase in hosuing with a Band D property paying £83.92 for the town council as part of the council tax.

Band D properties in Penrith are forcast to see a combined Council tax bill from April of £2,420.13

A Band A is forcast to see a council tax bill of £1,613.41 with a Band H forcast to see a council tax bill from April of £4,840.26.

The Westmorland and Furness Council consultation closes on Friday 17th January 2025.

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