Less than 10p a week Council Tax rise for West Suffolk residents

People living in the West Suffolk area are set to see their Council Tax bills rise by £4.95 a year, just under 10p a week for Band D property owners.

The increase, less than the government-recommended rise of three per cent, was agreed by councillors at their budget meeting on Tuesday, February 21.

The council’s finances includes £300,000 to ensure pools stay open in West Suffolk despite soaring utility and energy costs which has already seen others closed in the UK.

The budget includes:

• Continuing the £9 million investment, announced by the council last year, in initiatives to tackle the climate crisis and reach net zero by 2030.
• Funding to deliver a £40 million replacement for Bury St Edmunds leisure centre as part of the first phase of the Western Way initiative that aims through use of renewables to be off grid.
• Nearly £28 million of capital expenditure over the next two years on encouraging economic growth and prosperity.
• Additional £240,000 investment per year in waste and grounds maintenance team in recognition of the importance of this service to communities and the continued demands through the housing growth in the district.
• £1.3 million (2023 to 2027) for capital investment in open spaces and parks as well as museums and attractions.
• £513,000 has been made available for the successful community chest initiative which provides funding for local community groups.
• £440,000 for car park improvements, including the creation of a new one at Clare as well as provision of electric charging points across West Suffolk.

The council has also generated income to help balance the budget, this includes investing in solar, such as Toggam Solar Farm and working with businesses to put solar power on their properties as well as the council’s own.

The budget highlights the work the council has been doing which will see an additional £1.75m in solar income for the council as well as generating electricity to supply the council’s buildings whilst the solar is generating electricity and when not through another 100 per cent renewable energy source.

Councillors heard at the meeting that there is even more demand for council services by communities and businesses who are feeling the financial squeeze. A package of measures has been put in place to support communities and businesses during the cost-of-living crisis.

As part of this the council, with partners, are collectively investing £500,000 to help reduce Council Tax by 100 per cent for a year for means tested low-income families, including those in work. Around 11 per cent of households under this initiative and others will pay no or reduced Council Tax.