By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Ashfield households are likely to pay 2.94 per cent more council tax from April.
The planned rise would mean homes in the lowest value ‘Band A’ – which make up more than half of homes in the district – would pay £3.95 extra per year.
Council leader Councillor Jason Zadrozny (Ashfield Ind) compared this increase to “less than the cost of a Happy Meal”.
The total annual cost for Band A will be £138.09, while Band B will rise £4.60 to £161.10.
Homes in Band C will pay an additional £5.26 for a total of £184.12, and Band D will rise £5.92 to total of £207.13.
The increase will generate an extra £7.1m over the 2024/25 financial year, and no money will be taken from the council’s General Reserves to help balance the budget.
However, the council is currently forecasting a budget gap of £1.5m for the financial year 2025/26 and another £5.4m for 2026/27.
Ashfield’s cabinet recommended the proposal at a meeting on Monday (February 19), saying it was better placed financially than most authorities.
Councillor Rachel Madden (Ash Ind), lead member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits said: “This has been a very tough decision given the cost of living crisis. Like all businesses, the council is a victim of inflation.
“Like most councils, we regrettably need to make a modest council tax increase. Without this, delivering some of our services wouldn’t be possible.”
She added that lack of clarity from the government made financial planning for the next few years “nigh-upon impossible”.
Councillor John Wilmott (Ash Ind) said: “It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but there will still only be a 8p a week increase for Band A residents.
“It’s good to see we’re still investing in Ashfield during these times, making it cleaner and greener.
“Our council tax support scheme will remain unchanged at the maximum level this year.”
The rise will need to be approved by a full council meeting next month.
