Council tax rise approved in budget

North Northamptonshire Council has approved its annual budget for the next financial year, increasing council tax by the maximum amount possible.

In its first budget since Reform UK took control at the local elections in May, the local authority has increased its share of council tax by 4.99%, which includes 2% for the adult social care precept.

Graham Cheatley, executive member for finance, efficiency and change, said: "This budget sets out a responsible, realistic and sustainable financial path for our council, at a time of unprecedented pressures."

Helen Harrison, leader of the council's Conservative group, said that the budget showed Reform UK had "broken" their election promises.

A budget of £432.5m has been approved for the 2026/27 financial year to fund day-to-day services.

The rise in council tax means the bill for an average band D property will be £1,918.23, an annual increase of £91.17.

The council's corporate contingency budget for 2026/27, which is used to cover unforeseen costs and overspends, is set at £2.4m.

This was added to the budget after the fair funding settlement was announced by the government.

"Throughout this process our priority has been clear to deliver financial stability, while protecting essential services, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and investing in our future," Cheatley said.

An amendment put forward by the Conservatives to reduce council tax to 3.99%, using funding from the contingency budget introduced after the draft budget was announced, was rejected.

Harrison said: "It is my intention to examine this budget with reference to the pledges and criticisms that they made during the local elections last year.

"I will show you that they have broken their promises and the Conservative amendments are to help them to get closer to the promises they made."

Fees and charges for the next financial year have been reviewed, and there is a proposed increase to the annual charge for garden waste collections from £50 to £62 from April.

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