South Holland residents will pay roughly an extra £68.22 in council tax next year.
Every Lincolnshire council voted to put the cost up, with authorities saying rising costs and lower-than-hoped levels of government funding put a real strain on their budgets, writes Local Democracy Reporter Jamie Waller.
Around three-quarters of everything householders pay typically goes to the county council, with the rest shared between district or borough councils, Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service and their parish council if they have one.
All figures are for Band D properties, which are used as a the baseline, however residents pay more or less depending on which band their homes are in.
Lincolnshire County Council – The lion’s share of all council tax collected goes to the county council, which is responsible for roads, education and social care.
Upper-tier authorities like this can raise tax by up to 4.99 per cent each year to pay for these extra requirements.
However, this year the Conservative-run council opted for only 2.99 per cent, which means Band D homes will pay £47.16 more for a total of £1,625.80.
Leader Martin Hill said the authority faced “new financial burdens and even less money for local services.”
Lincolnshire Police – The police force opted for almost the highest possible increase as the commissioner admitted they were in “dire straits”.
Around 400 jobs could be cut due to a £14m black hole in their budget for the coming year.
Tax for Band D residents across the county will rise by 4.95 per cent, meaning they will pay £13.95 more for a total of £318.15.
Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, who made the decision, asked the government whether he could make a higher increase without a public vote, but was turned down.
South Holland District Council – It opted for a maximum increase of 2.99 per cent.
This means band D residents will pay £7.11 more, with a total bill coming to £208.53.
Deputy leader Paul Redgate said it had been an “extremely challenging” budget, and criticised lower government support for rural areas.
People living in Spalding itself won’t see as much of a rise. That’s because the Spalding Special Expense they pay has decreased by £2.70.
Parish councils will also set their share of the tax.
