Ashfield District Council to raise tax for residents

Ashfield District Council voted for the tax rise at a meeting on Monday

Ashfield District Council has voted to raise council tax by 2.94%, saying it was a "last resort" to boost its finances.

The Nottinghamshire council is currently forecasting a budget gap of £1.5m for the 2025-26 financial year, and another £5.4m for 2026-27.

It means tax for Band D homes will rise by £5.92 to a total of £207.13.

Councillor Rachel Madden said the authority recognised the strain of "rocketing budgets" on residents.

The rise also means homes in the Band A category - the most common in the district - will pay an extra £3.95, totalling £161.10.

At a meeting on Monday, the authority was able to set a balanced budget for the next 12 months, but shortfalls are predicted for the next two months.

The tax increase is expected to generate an additional £7.1m over the next 12 months, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Ms Madden, executive lead member for finance, revenues and benefits, said: "We recognise the strain that rocketing budgets have had on Ashfield residents, with soaring inflation and big rises in the cost of living.

"We have the most generous council tax support scheme possible, and this will continue to protect the most financially vulnerable across Ashfield from any rise at all."