Council proposes maximum possible tax rise

North Northamptonshire Council is set to increase council tax by the maximum amount possible next year.

It will be the first annual budget set by the authority since Reform UK took control at the local elections in May.

The council is proposing an increase in its share of council tax of 4.99%, which includes 2% for the adult social care precept.

Graham Cheatley, executive member for finance, efficiency and change, said: "The financial climate remains extremely demanding, but we're determined to provide quality services to the people of North Northamptonshire and we've managed to do this while setting a balanced budget."

He added: "These are our draft proposals. With executive approval, these plans will then be consulted upon and it's important that we get as much feedback as we can to help further refine our proposals."

If the plan is confirmed, it would mean an annual increase of £91.17, equivalent to £1.75 per week, for a property in Band D.

A report to be discussed by the executive on 16 December will propose a £431m budget for 2025/26 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the following three years.

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.

If approved by the executive, the consultation period will start on 16 December and will run until 23 January.

The executive will meet in February 2026 to finalise the proposals before presenting them to the full council later that month.

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