Council tax to rise by 3.75% for Nantwich householders

Nantwich householders face a Council Tax of 3.75 per cent as Cheshire East bid to raise cash for “frontline services”.

Councillors say the rise is “to be regretted” but claim it is needed to fund services for the vulnerable, elderly and young.

The increase on a Band D property will mean a rise of £45.61 per year from £1,216.34 to £1,261.95.

Cheshire East bosses say they are facing the “toughest financial challenges” in its seven-year history.

Cllr Peter Groves, of Nantwich South and Stapeley and cabinet member in charge of finance, said: “This council is proud to have maintained a zero tax increase for five years.

“It is to be regretted that our excellent record has come to an end.

“This increase is required due to the change in national policy to shift the burden of funding from central to local taxation.

“In time we will have to become even more resourceful in the way we deliver services, achieve our economies and minimise any future rate rises.

“The public sector must play its part to help reduce the high level of national debt and Cheshire East has responded to the challenge through a strategy of innovation and creativity with a relentless pursuit of greater efficiency and productivity.”

A cut of more than £16 million in government grant in 2016-17 – far more than anticipated – has placed “substantial strains” on the authority’s purse strings.

Cllr David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This council has never faced this situation before.

“I hope our residents will understand our position and recognise that, as a council, we continue to deliver excellent value for money.

“While our increase is 3.75 per cent, some local authorities are increasing their council tax by 3.99 per cent with the prospect of the same level of increase each year for five years.”

Council chiefs claim the region is in a stronger position with unemployment is at its lowest for more than 10 years, 92.1 per cent of schools rated good or excellent by Ofsted, and low-cost energy scheme Fairerpower helping residents save more than £1 million in less than a year.

Cheshire East’s Cabinet will be asked to recommend the 3.75% increase to Council Tax at its next meeting on February 25.

The council’s detailed budget proposals can be viewed here.

(pic under creative commons by Ben Dodson)