Council approves 4.99% increase in council tax
Cornwall Council's budget has been approved at a cabinet meeting
Last updated 7th Feb 2024
There's going to be a rise of 4.99% in what we pay to Cornwall Council in council tax.
The maximum possible rise of 4.99% has been approved for the second year running, and means the average band D home will pay £1,892.75.
The rise includes a 2% levy to fund adult social care.
A meeting at County Hall has shown some progress for the council with a reduced forecast overspend for the current financial year.
It's now standing at £9.4 million, down from September’s forecast of £14.9 million, with the aim of bringing this down even further before the end of March.
That overspend is mainly focused on three areas; Emergency Housing Accommodation, Home to School Transport and Children’s Social Care.
Today's budget also confirms plans to bring in a 100% Council Tax premium on second homes from April 2025.
Cllr David Harris, deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources, told the meeting: “As I’ve flagged numerous times, unless there is a fundamental shift in how local government is financed, including a fairer funding formula, it is only a matter of time before we face the edge of the same financial abyss that other councils are faced with today.
“At the same time, I really want to make it clear that we are determined to invest in Cornwall’s future.
"The significant increase in the proposed revenue and capital budgets represents a huge investment to deliver the Council’s mission of working together for a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well.”