East Lindsey District Council leader defends council tax rise

A proposed 3.06% council tax increase has been defended by the leader of East Lindsey District Council, maintaining that the ongoing cost of living crisis is also impacting their budget.

The 2024-25 increase amounts to approximately £4.95 per year for a Band D property, equating to an additional 9.5p per week starting from April this year.

Similar increases are also under consideration in South Kesteven, South Holland, and Lincoln, while Lincolnshire County Council is contemplating a 5% increase for this year.

ELDC leader Craig Leyland (Conservative) noted that the increase was necessary for the council to continue delivering its services.

“It would be very difficult for us not to increase (council tax), given that the cost of living crisis also affects organisations such as ours,” he said.

The representative for Woodhall Spa ward also pointed out that an extra £4.95 a year wasn’t too excessive, adding: “We know it’s an increase, but we still have to provide services out there.”

He later highlighted that roughly 58% of the council tax funds are allocated to the internal drainage board levy.

However, he mentioned that the council is raising this with central government to explore the possibility of separating the two funding streams.

Several leaders from various parts of the county have pointed to the latest local government settlement, which unveiled a spending power increase of less than 5% for local authorities, a figure that fails to adequately address the growing costs and demands placed on local services.

Coun Leyland agreed that the settlement “wasn’t as good as it could have been.”

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He continued: “Everyone is watching their pennies and we understand the government is probably in a difficult position as well.

“We understand times are difficult but, equally, the council still has to maintain its services.”

Coun Richard Fry (Conservative), portfolio holder for finance, added: “Our priorities are to ensure that we remain financially resilient to deliver the services that our communities need as well as investing in our towns and delivering recovery by supporting economic growth.

“As part of the process, it is important we hear the views of our residents and businesses to help inform our final decision at council in February.

“I wish to encourage our residents and businesses to take time to read through the proposals and have their say as part of this consultation.”