Residents face higher council tax bills, averaging £2,500, as Kingston council approves a 5% increase amid service decline warnings.
The council leader is proud of the new budget, stating that it’s balanced for 2025/26 despite the tough economic times the council faces. The council’s tax share rises by 4.99 percent, which includes 2.99 percent for general use and 2 percent for adult care needs.
Most Kingston Band D homes will pay a total of £2,488 for the year 2025/26. The council’s share of the bill rises by £95, reaching £1,998. The Mayor’s share rises by £19, bringing it to £490 for Band D homes; this helps fund police, fire, and transport services.
The council budget is £190.6 million for 2025/26, and they will use funds for services. Spending will rise in several areas. They need more care packages for adults and places for kids in care, and the funds will offer temporary housing to families. Kingston expects 1,110 families in temporary housing by March 31.
The council plans to save £6.7 million to ease budget pressures, emphasizing efficiency for the next year. They will digitize more services soon, and job cuts are part of the plan. They aim to cut paper use, and the LED street lighting project across town finishes soon.
Car park pricing changes are also coming. New rates will be based on demand, considering use and location, and the prices of competitors. Additionally, the council will stop paying for market management, as a new firm takes over in April under different terms.
Opposition councillors criticized the budget, arguing that services are declining despite residents paying more council tax. Conservative councillor Rowena Bass spoke up, stating that people deserve better for their high taxes.
Councillor Bass mentioned road conditions, noting potholes as a problem. Further, she said this budget cuts highway funds. Litter and weeds are also concerns, and grass cutting is less common now, leading to bins blocking paths on collection days.
Independent councillor James Giles also commented, saying the council asks residents pay more but doesn’t address existing problems. In contrast, Lib Dem councillor Andrew Wooldridge defended the budget.
He stated that they respond well and still deliver necessary services despite financial challenges. Social care costs are rising quickly, and housing demand impacts this as well. Inflation makes the budget hard, requiring them to make some tough choices soon.
Supporting those in need is a priority, and responsible financial management matters. The new budget passed well at the meeting; thirty-nine councillors voted yes, while only five councillors voted against it.
The council is working with partners to improve services, utilizing innovative support to help residents. They will also use technology creatively to help people live more independent lives and continue to lobby for fair local funding.
Council tax rates vary by property band: Band A pays £1,659, Band B pays £1,935, Band C pays £2,212, Band D pays £2,488, Band E pays £3,041, Band F pays £3,594, Band G pays £4,147, and Band H pays £4,977.
Some residents also pay a WPCC levy. Band A pays £1,686 with that included, Band B residents then pay £1,967, Band C pays £2,248, Band D pays £2,528, Band E pays £3,090, Band F pays £3,652, Band G pays £4,214, and Band H pays £5,057.
The government changed the rules in 2022, allowing councils to raise taxes nearly 5 percent without needing a public vote on that increase. Low-income Kingston residents can get help through council tax reductions.