Budget special: Council tax rises will only maintain service status quo

Staff pay rises and contract inflation will more than swallow up the extra millions being taxed from Northamptonshire’s households from this April

By Sarah Ward

Council tax for Northamptonshire households is set to rise again in the coming financial year (2022/2023) by just under three per cent for the services provided by the unitary councils. For the average band D property this equates to paying an extra £45- £50 a year. (*This does not take into account the increased costs for policing or the services charged for by town or parish councils).

Both councils are currently consulting with residents on the draft proposals, with consultations ending this week. The numbers may then be adjusted before being agreed by the full councils in March. This will be the first budget ever set by the new unitaries as before this the shadow authorities took charge.

We look at the budget headlines from both the new councils. (Please note neither council published a budget including a comprehensive breakdown for each department).