Councillors have rubber-stamped plans to raise Council Tax in the East Riding by 3.99 per cent, the highest increase it could impose without requiring a referendum.
The decision was confirmed on 10th February and was described as ‘a positive move forward’ by leader Cllr Jonathan Owen.
At a special Full Council meeting, councillors voted to increase the general part of the council tax bill by 1.99 per cent and to increase by a further two per cent for adult social care.
Cllr Owen said: “This budget is a positive move forward, in uncertain times, to protect services, support our care markets, support the economy, but above all, to work more closely with our communities.
“I look forward to developing our climate change strategies, accelerating previous commitments around affordable housing provision, progressing our ambition for the Wolds to be an area of outstanding natural beauty, bringing a fusion plant to Goole and progressing our devolution plans with the government.
“This year will be a progressive and exciting year for our residents as we rebuild our confidence in East Riding as a place to live, work and thrive.”
The council’s part of the council tax bill will result in a monthly increase of £5.17 for Band D properties, but there are also additional charges to be taken into account from Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service as well as town and parish councils, which are determined separately.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on East Riding Council’s finances and savings of £7.4million need to be made from the 2022/23 budget, not only to absorb that impact but also to meet the growing costs of delivering services.
Cllr Owen promised that investment in the council’s key corporate priorities would continue including £1million over three years allocated to support the council’s response to climate change as well as providing an extra 100 new electric vehicle charging points over the next 18 months.
