East Riding councillors approve 4.99% increase in council tax for 2023/24 financial year

Councillors have agreed to increase the council’s part of the council tax charge in the East Riding by 4.99% for the 2023/24 financial year.

At a special budget meeting, East Riding of Yorkshire councillors approved the 4.99% increase, which is the maximum amount allowed by Government without having to hold a referendum.

The figure, which is broken down into a 2.99% rise to support general council services and 2% going towards adult social care, will raise an additional £9.9million of income as the council tries to maintain delivering services despite rising inflation and energy costs.

On top of the council’s charge, there will also be additional charges from Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service as well as town/parish councils, which are determined separately.

The impact of a 4.99% increase on the council’s part of the council tax bill for the next financial year for a Band A property will be £53.79 a year or £40.34 a year for those claiming the 25% single person discount while those living in Band D properties will see a yearly increase of £80.68 or £60.51 after the single person discount is applied.

The council still needs to make savings of £19.3million from its 2023/24 budget not only to meet the growing costs of delivering its services but also to absorb the impact of significant cost increases caused by inflationary pressures which are expected to see adult social care costs rise by £13.6million and energy costs increase by £8.6million.

But while savings do need to be made, the council has identified a number of areas for potential investment under its capital programme and these include:

• the continued build of affordable homes through the housing revenue account to assist in meeting demand for council housing
• developing accommodation for vulnerable people to support them to remain at home and within their community for longer, reducing the need for long term care and maximising independence
• developing the special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) strategy to assist in addressing the shortfall in suitable complex needs provision within the East Riding.

Councillor Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The cost of living crisis has hit us all hard over the last year and while I understand the financial pressures facing our residents, the council too has its own pressures which we need to address.

“We are taking action to reduce our costs while making sure the council is best positioned to face future challenges and support the local community in a sustainable manner.

“But despite this, and without the 4.99% increase in council tax for this next financial year, the council would be facing a base budget deficit of £36million by 2026/27 and this level of deficit could not be met without additional significant and on-going cuts to services such as our libraries, leisure centres, highways and our adult social care provision.

“Our residents have told us these are the services they want so we need to act now to protect them for the future.

“I do understand these are difficult times financially for people but there is a whole host of help and support available for those who are struggling under the council’s Help for Households campaign.”

* Anyone who needs financial help or support or who is struggling to pay their council tax should visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/helpforhouseholds