Broadland District Council opts to freeze council tax for second year running
The local authority says it wants to help residents amidst the cost of living crisis
Broadland residents will see a council tax freeze for the second year in a row.
This will mean the share of council tax that goes to Broadland District Council (BDC) will stay at the current level of £129.91 for a Band D property.
Trudy Mancini-Boyle, cabinet member for finance said: “This Conservative administration has been managing the finances of Broadland District Council in a sound, prudent way for many years.
“We also realise the financial challenges our residents currently face and we do not wish to add to that burden.
“That is why we have worked tirelessly with our officers to produce a balanced budget with no increase in council tax.”
The decision was approved by the authority on Thursday evening as part of its budget for the next year.
Opposition groups proposed a series of amendments to the budget which were rejected by the Conservative-led administration.
The Green wanted to ringfence £2m to retrofit houses in the district to be more energy efficient, helping cut residents bills.
Green councillor Jan Davis said: “I’m urging that in this cost of living energy and climate crisis it is time for the council to review its priorities and how it spends the funds that are available given the dire situation that we are in as a country and in Broadland.”
However, Conservative councillors argued it would cost more than the Green group was suggesting and government already had funding available.
The Liberal Democrats also put forward amendments, including one to increase the amount of money going towards buying temporary accommodation to support residents at risk of homelessness.
Ms Mancini-Boyle argued the authority already had money set aside for purchasing accommodation and it would be better for the council to spend that first. She also said council officials were struggling to find suitable options to purchase.
The budget was approved.