Cash-strapped authority plans 8% council tax rise

A council has asked the government to make an exception for it to raise council tax by almost 8% in April.

Since effectively going bankrupt in 2021 Slough Borough Council raised tax by 9.99% in 2023, and by 8.5% in 2024 - this would be the third year, if approved.

Councils normally cannot raise council tax by more than 4.99% each year without a vote among residents.

The council said the increase was necessary to "protect critical frontline services" and to ensure its coming budget is "better aligned to the demand services are facing".

Budget proposals published in January included asking the government for "exceptional financial support" to help the council meet its legal requirement to set a balanced budget.

If a council wants to increase tax by 5% or more, this is normally deemed "excessive" and can only be approved with a local referendum.

The authority has now confirmed that it has asked for permission to increase council tax by 3% above the cap – making a total increase of 7.99%.

It comes after Wal Chahal, cabinet member responsible for finance, told the Local Government Chronicle that the council was "trying hard to live within its means" but has to make "tough" decisions.

The draft budget published in January said the council had to find funds of £3.29m to balance its budget and a 7.99% would raise £2.47m.

The government's decision will not be revealed until late February.

Final budget proposals including the council tax increase will be presented to a cabinet committee on 17 February.

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.