COUNCIL tax in Solihull will rise by 4.99 per cent for the forthcoming financial year.
Of that 2.99 per cent will be for general expenditure and two per cent has been ring-fenced for adult social care.
The increase will see those in Band D properties paying £1,843.27 – a rise of £87.61 on last year.
The Council also approved its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 – 2028/29 at the Full Council meeting on February 26.
The MTFS is Solihull Council’s key corporate strategy that allows it to deliver its priorities as outlined in the Council Plan and to manage the Council finances in a prudent and efficient manner.
Writing in her weekly column, Solihull Council leader, Councillor Karen Grinsell, said: “We passed the Council’s Budget for the next year.
“It sets out how we will spend £244million on services for our residents during 2026/27. The vast majority of that goes on people services – adult and children’s social care.
“This is necessary of course, but it’s important people realise that everything else we do – roads, waste and recycling, parks, business support and all the other things that make up the work of the Council, come from a small proportion of our annual spending.
“As part of the budget, Council Tax will increase by 2.99 per cent and the adult social care precept at two per cent.
“It’s not far off the level of inflation. It’s also in line with most local authorities and some have increased by more than this.
“It is never easy to ask our residents to contribute more. This isn’t something we do lightly. We know household budgets are strained, but we have to find a balance which ensures financial stability whilst still allowing us to deliver the services Silhillians rely on.
“There will always be financial challenges for future years, and we will continue to lobby government whilst exploring every option including continued redesign of services to ensure we get the best value for money on behalf of everyone in Solihull.”
She also highlighted one of the financial challenges facing the Council is the increase of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services to help give children the chance to access education in a way that works for them.
She said: “It’s vital we provide the best service we can for children, young people, and their families.
“I have carefully read the Education White Paper and the SEND reform consultation.
“I welcome the scope of it, I don’t think there are many people who think the current SEND system is in perfect working order, so the attempt to make change is necessary.”
The final Council Tax bill residents receive will also include charges set by the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and any Parish/Town Council precepts if applicable.
