Council tax rise and parking changes planned by West Suffolk Council
Parking charges are set for a small change along with a 2.99% council tax rise
A rise in Council Tax is being proposed along with changes to parking tariffs in West Suffolk
The Authorities budget has suggested a rise of 2.99% in line with recent Government advice for local authorities.
This figure is the maximum amount possible.
The increase would represent an extra 11p per week for a band D property, equating to £5.76 a year.
The council has committed to only making small changes to parking charges. The main change is the plan to abolish the £1 overnight charge in Bur St Edmunds, while extending parking tariffs until 8pm.
Council leader, Cliff Waterman, said the proposed budget represents an ambitious investment in the district while remaining prudent about the future.
He added: “We’re very excited to present the budget to the public because it’s a very positive one — there are no nasty surprises in there.
“It invests in West Suffolk’s future, it improves services, and it keeps charges low.
“All our investments are in West Suffolk and within our community, none of them are about just making profits.”
Deputy leader, Victor Lukaniuk, said: “This budget is going to give us stability not just for a year, for two years and beyond.
“I see the future, I’m encouraged by it and I’m delighted to be part of the administration because there are no skeletons coming out of the cupboard.”
Other investments proposed in the budget include a £13m capital investment in improvements to parks, open spaces, and leisure facilities, a £300,000 fund for Abbeycroft to protect swimming pool closures, and a £200,000 investment in the council’s grounds maintenance service.