Council tax rise and cost of living support backed by Newark and Sherwood cabinet

Newark and Sherwood District Council headquarters.
By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to increase council tax in Newark and Sherwood have taken a step closer alongside a new wave of cost of living support.
The Conservative-led district council’s cabinet has backed the tax plans alongside an array of support measures to help struggling households.
All councillors will discuss the proposals at the budget full council meeting next month (March 9).
The tax rise works out at 1.94 per cent more being paid to the authority from April – the second-lowest rise of all Nottinghamshire councils behind neighbouring Rushcliffe.
It would affect Band D homes with a rise of £3.60 per year, taking the total paid directly to fund the authority’s services up to £189.16.
Band A homes would pay the district council £2.40 more from April, or £126.11 in total if the authority’s increase is approved.
The district council will also ask for £2.80 more from Band B homes, taking its total Band B precept up to £147.12 for the year.
And Band C homes will be asked to pay the district council £3.20 more from April, with the total Band C district council bill increasing to £168.14.
The increases will join tax rises by other authorities in the county, including for the police, the fire service and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Caroline Henry (Con), the Police and Crime Commissioner, is raising bills by at least £9.96 depending on house banding, while the county council’s rise is at least £53.05.
The Nottinghamshire Fire Authority will meet on Friday (February 24) to discuss a £5 increase for all homes regardless of their house band.
When factoring in the emergency services, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s rise and the county council’s increase, total bills in the district will be:
- Band A: £1,515.12 (total increase of £70.14)
- Band B: £1,767.89 (total increase of £81.30)
- Band C: £2,019.73 (total increase of £92.21)
- Band D: £2,271.57 (total increase of £103.11)
Councillor David Lloyd (Con), the leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, brought the tax rise before cabinet members on February 21.
He said: “It’s the second-lowest increase of district and boroughs in the county and we’re lower than three [other councils] in terms of what we raise overall.
“We’re on an incredibly sound footing, it’s a minimal increase protecting all the services we’ve got and absorbing all the costs we’ve occurred [through Covid and inflation].”
It came as he also introduced a £150,000 in support to help residents through the cost of living crisis.
This included fuel vouchers for people struggling with energy bills and food and clothing vouchers to support families with school uniforms, warm clothes and food.
More signposting for support agencies will be created on the authority’s website to outline groups helping communities with financial struggles.
A new mobile debt advice service will be created in communities alongside a service to ensure people are taking the full amount of benefits they are entitled to.
And there will be a voucher scheme to help people access local food clubs if they can’t afford the £3.50 needed to access services.
It comes alongside household and hygiene packs including products like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary towels, toilet rolls, bleach and other cleaning items.
Cllr Timothy Wendels (Con), portfolio holder for homes and health, said: “There are some really good schemes here and I’m delighted we’re supporting our residents and tenants.
“This is at a time when it’s really needed and we’re stepping up to the mark to do some fantastic work.”
Cllr Paul Peacock (Lab), leader of the opposition Labour Group, also praised the plans and add: “We need to help people along the way and I absolutely welcome the report.
“I’m sure it won’t be the last report we get on this, either.”