Borough council proposes first tax freeze in years

A borough council in Derbyshire has said it does not intend to raise council tax this year, which would be the first time this has happened in more than a decade.

Erewash Borough Council has launched an online survey on its proposed budget, which also includes freezing car park charges and household subscriptions for garden waste collections.

The online budget consultation has been launched so residents can give their views and is open until 10 February.

James Dawson, leader of the Labour-run council, said the bid for increased central government funding had been successful and had quashed fears of a budget gap in 2026/27, which has made a freeze possible.

Dawson said the council will receive about £15.8m in core funding plus £1.5m from other sources – "which is a lot more than expected".

He added that, as a result, the council can put about £4.5m into the new Erewash Investment Fund which aims "to deliver projects that benefit residents, businesses and the wider community".

Dawson urged residents to have their say on how to invest the money, such as more free car parking or more support for town centres.

The council said the survey also includes questions about priorities for Cotmanhay – where the government has promised to invest up to £20m over the next 10 years.

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