Have your say on Council Tax proposals for 2024/25

South Kesteven District Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on Council Tax proposals for 2024/25.

The consultation is open for two weeks from today (Friday 19th January) until Friday 2nd February.

It asks those living and working in the district for feedback on SKDC’s proposal to increase its element of Council Tax by 3%. This equates to an increase of £5.31 for properties in Band D for 2024/25 – just over 10p a week.

The consultation results will be considered by the Cabinet with a recommendation to Full Council for a final decision at its meeting on Thursday 29th February.

If approved, it would increase the average Council Tax a household pays for services provided by the district from £178.58 to £183.89 a year.

The increase for households in Bands A, B and C would be less than £5.31 a year, while those in Bands E, F, G and H would see an average increase of more than £5.31 – but no more than £10.62.

The survey explains how SKDC funds the services it provides and outlines the projects it has been working on in each of its priority areas – enabling economic opportunity; housing; connecting communities; making South Kesteven sustainable and acting as an effective Council.

It also contains an update on what the Council has been doing to help residents with the cost of living.

Cllr Richard Cleaver, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, said: “In common with many organisations across the public and private sector, the Council has been subject to increases in energy costs and inflationary pressures.

“We remain determined to maintain services at current levels, while at the same time delivering on council priorities and ambitions.

“An increase of 3% per Band D property in SKDC’s element of Council Tax will generate around £332,000 of additional income.

“This will help the council continue to provide those day-to-day services we all rely on, such as refuse collection, street cleaning and CCTV. It will also contribute towards the costs of providing many other services supporting communities across South Kesteven, including Leisure and Arts Centres.

“The costs of administering schemes which give a helping hand to residents and businesses struggling with the cost of living, including the Household Support Fund, the Council Tax Support Scheme and Rates Relief for Businesses will also benefit.

“Please take the opportunity to have your say and tell us what you think of our proposal.”

The SKDC share of Council Tax accounts for around 9% of the total bill. The majority goes to Lincolnshire County Council, with contributions to Lincolnshire Police, and town/ parish councils.

The survey can be completed using the weblink below or by scanning the QR code with a smart phone camera.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ctaxsk2425

It can also be accessed via SKDC’s website here.

For a paper copy of the survey, please contact the Council’s Communications Team on 01476 406080.