Council tax in Swindon to rise by nearly 5%

Residents of Swindon will have to pay almost 5% more for their council tax to "protect public services".

Council tax will rise by 4.99% while tenants in council-owned accommodation will also be asked for a 4.8% increase in the rent they pay for their houses or flats.

The authoirity said there was a £22.3m funding gap and, as well as raising tax, it would likely have to sell assets or borrow in order to balance the books.

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for finance, Kevin Small, said there would be £3.2m spent on social workers to support children and families. The changes will come into force from April 1.

The council will have £233m to spend on its day-to-day services from April.

The Labour administration passed its budget on 26 February, having defeated amendments to its main budget from both the Conservative and Green opposition groups.

Council leader Jim Robins told the meeting: "We could slash and burn to make the numbers work – but where would that leave the people of Swindon?

"With fewer jobs, offered unsafe services, living in unfit homes and with poorer outcomes for our young people."

The budget has been given government approval for what is called Exceptional Financial Support, which means it can use the money it gets from selling assets for its day-to-day budget, which is normally against the rules.

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