Council Tax rise for people living in the New Forest
Band D households will pay more than £2k in council tax next year
Last updated 27th Feb 2024
An increase to Council Tax for people living in the New Forest has been confirmed.
The New Forest District Council has set their portion of Council Tax for 2024/25 at £199.79 per year - a 2.99% (£5.80) increase on the current year.
It was confirmed at the NFDC Full Council meeting on Monday (26/2).
With Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and New Forest town and parish councils also setting their amounts for next year's Council Tax bills, the average Band D household will pay £2,193.24 across the year.
The different amounts making up the total bill, for an average Band D property are:
• Hampshire County Council £1,533.24, an increase of £72.99 (4.99%)
• New Forest District Council £199.79, an increase of £5.80 (2.99%)
• Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire £261.46, an increase of £10 (3.98%)
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service £82.84, an increase of £2.41 (3%)
• Town and Parish Council £115.91, an increase of £11.48 (10.99%)
The NFDC keeps 9p of every £1 paid in Council Tax, which finds various local services, including supporting people at risk of becoming homeless, planning permissions for new and existing properties, waste and recycling collections, caring for the coastline and public open spaces, and supporting local businesses.
Speaking at Monday's Full Council meeting, Leader of the council, Cllr Jill Cleary said:
“The proposed level of Council Tax for the 24/25 financial year represents a band D charge of just £3.83 per week. £3.83 per week for all that this council provides I believe is exceptional value. Value that is only going to get better as a result of our investment in council wide transformation, striving for better services at a lower overall cost.”
The council are advising people who may have difficulty paying Council Tax to contact them immediately to find out what support is on offer.
Residents will be sent their Council Tax bills in March.