Council Tax increase as funding pressures continue

With the continuing concerns over Government under-funding Councillors at Havant Borough Council have agreed to increase their part of the Council Tax by £5 a year on a Band D property.

The increase of 2.45 per cent to £209.48 – just 57 pence a day - will be used to help fund the future regeneration aspirations for the borough with the remainder being used to help support all the services already provided.

During a speech at the Full Council meeting held on Wednesday 26 February, the Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Michael Wilson said, “As grants from central government continue to reduce and in particular, our revenue support grant has now completely ceased, we rely on Council Tax and retained business rates for the majority of our income.

“Our regeneration plans will generate new revenue streams and capital receipts. A key theme of our corporate strategy is to create a thriving local economy and this in turn will assist council finances through increased business rates.”

Previously Havant Borough Council has been able to freeze their part of Council Tax through commissioning services with six other councils, joint ventures, partnership working and careful financial management.  However, an increase is now necessary, so residents can continue to receive the same high level of service.

Whilst Havant Borough Council is responsible for collecting Council Tax it retains less than 12 per cent of the charges collected with the remainder going to Hampshire County Council, the Police and the Fire and Rescue Authority.

Havant Borough Council’s precept will be added to that of Hampshire County Council’s increase of 3.99%, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (1.99%) and Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire (4.96%).