Norfolk considering raising Council Tax

Norfolk County Council is considering whether to raise Council Tax by a further one per cent to raise an extra £4 million for services.

The council had been considering a 4.9 per cent rise - 1.9 per cent for general services and three per cent for adult social care. However, the government announced in December 2017 that councils could levy a further one per cent for general services, bringing the Council Tax to 5.99 per cent.

The council’s committees will consider the budget proposals throughout January, and the full council will make a final decision on 12 February.

Raising Council Tax by the additional one per cent would add £4 million per year to the council’s base budget every year, reducing the budget gap by £12 million over the next three years.

Cliff Jordan, council leader, said: “I’ve been very clear about the budget pressures we’re facing and the fact that, so far, the government has not provided extra funding.

“Just before Christmas, the government said councils could raise an additional one per cent on general Council Tax. My chief finance officer is advising us to accept this offer, which would add £4 million to our budget, every year – easing pressure on our services.

“I think we should give this serious consideration. We’ve got rising costs and rising demand for services and have had to budget for a two per cent pay rise for staff. No-one likes Council Tax rises but I also know many people want to ease the strain on our services.”