Council tax in district could rise by nearly 5%

Calderdale residents will pay almost 5% more in council tax next year, if senior councillors' budget proposals are accepted.

The rise of 4.99%, which would comprise a 2.99% hike in core council tax and a further 2% increase to the ringfenced adult social care precept, will now go out to a seven-week public consultation.

It is the maximum amount local authorities are allowed to increase council tax without a referendum.

Unveiling the proposals, the council said demand for services such as tackling homelessness and helping children with special educational needs had continued to rise "nationally and locally".

Council leader Councillor Jane Scullion said: "It's a careful, considered set of budget proposals, so that we will be on a firmer footing in the years to come.

"Our priority remains keeping people safe and protecting them from harm. We want the residents of Calderdale to live good lives and achieve their potential, so we are investing in the services which support people with the most complex needs."

The proposals will be debated and then voted on by all councillors in February.

The rise would mean charges for a Band A property, which is the lowest, could rise by £64.45, from £1,291.68 to £1,356.13.

Meanwhile, Band H council tax, which is the highest, would go up by £193.36 a year from £3,875.02 to £4,068.38.

If approved in their current form, the council would raise an extra £6.4m in income, with £2.57m of that specifically ring-fenced for adult social care, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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