COUNCIL TAX 2020-21

A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2020/21 by £5 per annum for a Band D property is expected to be sent to the council’s budget setting meeting on Thursday 5th March. Councillors at a meeting of Council Executive next week (18th February) look set to support the proposal which, if agreed, will mean an increase of 9p per week on the council’s charge for a Band D property.

The council has worked hard to keep the proposed increase in its share of the Council Tax bill to a minimum despite local authorities across the country continuing to face financially challenging times. The budget proposals include savings of approximately £1m in staff costs and work continues to achieve further significant savings. Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says:

“The latest savings show our commitment to do whatever we can to find effective and efficient ways of meeting the continuing financial pressures. We have worked very hard over the last few years to balance our budgets and we are well aware of the very tough challenges ahead – but we assure residents that we remain committed to providing the best service we can for them.”

The proposed £5 increase would mean that the council’s charge for a Band D property would increase from £186.59 to £191.59 per annum. Only 11% of the total council tax bill goes towards paying for the Borough Council services. Council tax payers also have to pay an amount for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations.

The meeting of Council Executive is at Long Eaton Town Hall on Tuesday 18th February at 10.30am. The budget-setting Full Council meeting is at Ilkeston Town Hall on Thursday 5th March at 7pm.