By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Rushcliffe Borough Council says it plans to put up council tax – but the rate is still expected to be in the lowest 25 per cent in the country.
The authority also says its tax will still be the lowest in Nottinghamshire if later approved by its cabinet and full council.
The authority plans to raise the rate by 2.55 per cent, meaning a Band D property will get an increase of £3.93 for the 12 months from April 2024.
It means a Band D property will pay £157.88 a month.
A number of factors influence Rushcliffe’s low tax rates, including the fact most people in the borough are able to pay the fees.
In 2020/21, 99 per cent of residents paid their council tax bills.
The council’s budget will be discussed at the cabinet meeting on February 13.
For 2024/25, councils are allowed to raise council tax by up to three per cent or £5.
Conservative-led Rushcliffe Borough Council is debt free and therefore not impacted by an increase in interest rates on borrowing.
Three areas will also pay ‘special expenses’ – West Bridgford, Ruddington
and Keyworth.
West Bridgford residents pay special expenses as it does not have a parish council, so recreation and community services are paid for by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
These cover certain parks and playing fields, community centres, litter bins, benches and seats and children’s play areas.
Residents in Ruddington and Keyworth pay special expenses in relation to funding arrangements for cemeteries.
West Bridgford residents will pay £59.44, up from £55.95 in 2023/24.
Keyworth residents will pay £4.69, up from £4.38 in 2023/24 and Ruddington residents will pay £3.29, down from £3.68 in 2023/24.
Council documents stated: “There are other options in terms of increasing Council Tax by a lesser amount, but this would put severe pressure on already stretched council resources.”
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation and Governance Cllr Davinder Virdi (Con) said: “We believe to have one of best financial positions of any Council in the country but remain realistic and not triumphalist, appreciative of the stark challenges many of our peers are facing and that we also share.
“Both past and current sensible financial decisions, including the fact the Council remains debt free, means we will continue to deliver excellent services to our community.”
He said Rushcliffe was a great place to live and pointed to the new Bingham Arena and the investment in Keyworth and Cotgrave leisure centres.
He added: “We remain committed to delivering on the Council’s growth agenda and supporting businesses. This includes the Council’s ongoing commitment to the Freeport and helping to develop the Ratcliffe-on- Soar power station site.
“There are still many potential economic and financial challenges ahead but we know where we are, where we are going to and how we will get there with continued astute and well-informed decision making that continues to deliver high quality services.”
