Doncaster set for 4.99% council tax hike to fund essential services
It means the average Band D household will be paying £1.65 extra per week
Doncaster residents are set to see a 4.99% rise in council tax, under final budget proposals set to be debated later this month.
The increase, which is the maximum allowed by law, includes a 2% precept dedicated specifically to adult social care costs.
For a band D property, council tax will increase by £85.60 per year, equating to £1.65 per week, while band A households will see an annual rise of £57.07, or £1.10 per week.
Doncaster’s council tax remains the lowest in Yorkshire and among one of the lowest in the country.
The council has justified the increase by citing rising costs and demand for core services, particularly in adult and children’s social care.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “Tough decisions have been made which reflect the need to cover rising costs and service demand."
"Like councils nationwide, we are proposing the maximum rise in council tax as set by the Government. Without it, we won't be able to deliver all the essential services our residents rely on."
Among funding announced in the budget is:
£54.6m for adult social care to address increasing demand
£60m for road improvements, including preventative and routine maintenance across the highways network
£216m for council housing investment, with £72m targeted at improving existing housing stock and providing affordable homes in 2026/27
£80m planned funding for regeneration efforts and "Pride in Place" projects across the city and towns, helping develop local communities
Alongside the council tax rise, the budget proposes a council house rent increase of 4.8%, in line with government policies on social housing rents.
This will mean an average weekly rent increase of £4.39 for those living in St. Leger Homes.
The budget will be discussed by Cabinet on February 11 and Full Council on February 26.