Council tax could rise by maximum amount next year

Alan Graves said the authority's hand was being forced

Derbyshire County Council's Reform UK administration is set to increase its portion of council tax by the maximum amount.

The party took control of the authority in May with a pledge to keep council tax rises low.

However, leaders at the council said they felt "almost forced" to impose a maximum increase of 4.99%, saying the government was pushing for the increase and warning key services would be at risk without it.

Council leader Alan Graves said: "We always aim to keep taxes low, but we are restrained by inflation - it's running at around 4%."

Reform UK took control of Derbyshire County Council in May

"The maximum we can increase tax is 4.99%," Graves continued. "We've been advised by government that we must increase taxes by the highest amount. So that's where we're starting.

"We will be looking through to see if there's any movement - anywhere where we can reduce those costs.

"But, unfortunately, the current government is almost forcing us to go for the maximum rise in council tax."

Asked about Reform UK voters who felt disappointed his party was not standing up to the government, Graves said: "I'm very mindful that we can still afford those front-line staff.

"The services we provide, in all areas, have got to stand up to that service.

"If we reduce income, it effectively might cut frontline services, and I won't do that."

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "We understand the strain people are under to make ends meet and are clear local councils should set rates that are fair and reasonable for residents.

"That's why we are providing over £5bn of new grant funding over the next three years for local services that communities rely on – and will go further by fixing an outdated system that ensures money goes to the places that need it most."