Sutton Coldfield residents face a second tax increase in 2025. Birmingham and its town council both plan rises.
This is the town council’s first increase since 2016. They proposed this rise last year, and people mostly supported it during a consultation. They want the council to manage more local services.
The town council will use the money for local services, including libraries and parks. Birmingham City Council plans to cut these services, and three Sutton libraries are at risk.
For a Band D property, the town increase is about £10 per year, rising from £49.96 to £59.86. The town council wants further increases later. Band A taxpayers will see their bill go up £6.66 per year, while Band H will rise £20 per year.
Band D already faces a £156.82 rise from the city, and Band A will see a £104.81 Birmingham increase. The town council approved the rise in December, expecting it to raise £2,250,599.
This is an extra £399,897 in 2025/26. In three years, a Band D bill could reach £79.96. The town council asked residents about the proposed increase, and most responses were in favor.
People wanted to protect local services, including libraries and parks, as Birmingham faces cuts. Council leader Simon Ward wants more money for services, including improving parks.
The council hopes to manage locations like Rectory Park and also wants to fund libraries. Councillor Rob Pocock wants a deal with Birmingham first, stating last August that a partnership agreement is necessary.
He thinks the town needs that deal before spending more money and still asks for an agreement. A partnership will justify the rise, with the goal of protecting essential services.