COUNCIL tax in Solihull is set to increase by almost four per cent.
The inflation-busting increase is being recommended by the borough’s ruling Conservative administration to a meeting of full council tomorrow (February 27).
It would mean a further £61.30 on the average band D council tax bill in Solihull.
If implemented, the council tax rise of 3.9 per cent would include two per cent to help meet the costs of providing adult social care, as permitted by government.
The 3.9 per cent proposed rise is close to the maximum allowed by a council without holding a local referendum.
At a meeting of Solihull’s cabinet on February 13, councillors decided to recommend an overall budget of £159 million for the borough, using £4.7 million taken from reserves.
Full retention of business rates will contribute £1 million to the council’s coffers.
But Birmingham Airport’s dividend paid to the borough is set to be £111,000 lower than expected, and reserves will pay for the extension of free parking hours in Knowle, costing £21,000.
Council leaders pledged no new cuts to adults’ or children’s services by putting £2 million into the children’s services reserve.
