COUNCIL Tax in Solihull will rise by 4.99 per cent for the forthcoming financial year 2024/25.
Of that 2.99 per cent will be for general expenditure and two per cent has been ringfenced for adult social care.
The increase will see those in Band D properties paying £1,672.22 – a rise of £79.48 on last year.
The rise had been approved by the Conservative authority’s Cabinet earlier in the month and was rubber stamped by full council on Tuesday, February 27, with opposition parties abstaining.
Speaking at the meeting Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “I am mindful of the cost of living pressures faced by many of our residents and the need to maintain investments on the other hand in our services in order that we can continue to effectively support our communities and protect those who are most vulnerable.
“Having carefully considered the Council’s financial position, the budget risks and the outlook for the Medium Term Financial Strategy I am recommending a Council Tax increase for 2024/25.
“Despite extremely challenging position the proposal before members will enable the Council to deliver a balanced budget for 2024/25 with a plan to address the financial challenges in future years.”
Coun Courts also said he wrote to the chancellor of the exchequer to make a number of representation’s on Solihull’s position and some of the representations were successful and had been included i final local government settlement for the year ahead.
Many of the opposition Councillors, including those from the Green Party and Liberal Democrats abstained from the final vote.
Councillor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green Party at Solihull Council, said: “I do recognise that the administration are in a very difficult situation, the majority of which has been created by national government and I respect that the leader has tried to lobby for additional funds.”
Councillor Laura McCarthy, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “This isn’t negligence on the administrations part, it isn’t because of pet projects, this is central government funding issues here and I would just like to recognise that.
“My group and I can’t support it because in doing so would be ignoring the wishes of our residents who are already struggling to pay the bills and I feel it would be endorsing the government’s neglect of local councils.”
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.
