Council Tax level for 2017-18 announced

South Derbyshire District Council has announced a Council Tax increase for the coming year as it seeks to counter reductions in national funding.

In line with Government expectations, Councillors have agreed a 1.95% rise for 2017-18.

It means that a Band D property, taken as the average, will see an increase in the council’s precept of £2.99 to £156.17 per year in the next 12 months.

The district council’s precept accounts for less than 10% of the total Band D bill of £1,621 in 2017-18 for South Derbyshire householders.

Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner also levy a precept and are raising Council Tax levels for the coming year.

Cllr Bob Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “In common with all local authorities, we are facing challenging economic times that mean we must continue to identify efficiencies and different ways of working to ensure we continue to provide high-quality services and value for money to our residents.

“The provision of Midway Community Centre, continued investment in our parks and leisure centres and the development of Melbourne Sports Park are all first-class examples of this.

“We should also be proud that we have been able to provide the first new council-owned homes in a generation in the past 12 months.

“Our budget proposals once again show no cuts to services and we will continue to provide the resources required in order to make this area a better place to live, work and visit.”

The council also revealed that its financial contributions to parish councils and its partners in the community and voluntary sector would again be increased next year.

Councillor Wheeler said: “We recognise that volunteers and professionals continue to do vital work across our communities and we are committed to supporting and encouraging them.

“Our level of Council Tax remains one of the lowest when compared to many districts and boroughs and I believe that continuing to deliver all of the services which this council provides for £3 a week represents remarkable value.”

2 March 2017