Overview
- Budgets with a 4.99% increase were approved in Bolton, Gloucestershire and Northumberland, typically split between a 2.99% core rise and a 2% adult social care precept, with some areas also raising fees such as parking permits.
- North East Lincolnshire cut a planned 4.99% increase to 4.5% and approved it at full council, citing financial resilience after a late cabinet amendment.
- County Durham set one of the lowest uplifts at 1.99% after extra government funding, alongside savings and changes that mean most residents must pay at least 10% of their bills.
- Further plans include Southwark proposing 4.99% for sign-off next week, Bridgend moving a 4.7% rise to full council on February 25 and Rhondda Cynon Taf taking a 4% proposal to cabinet on February 23.
- Exceptional cases highlight system strain: Shropshire has government permission to go about four points above the usual cap, and Hampshire’s preferred 4.99% option depends on a £101.9m reserve draw with a Section 114 risk without further funding.