North Lincolnshire Council Tax Set for Highest Rise in Years

North Lincolnshire will raise council tax quite a bit. The council approved their budget on February 20th. Council tax will increase by 4.89 percent overall, with core council tax rising by 2.89 percent and adult social care getting a 2 percent boost. They could only raise it to 4.99 percent max, and a higher rise would require a local vote.

Rob Waltham stated how this affects people, noting that most families will pay 84p or less extra per week, totaling about £43.68 or less annually. The budget funds community improvements, and he said they value community supporters, emphasizing that taxpayers are very important locally.

They aim to keep taxes low for residents. Conservatives lowered the planned increase slightly, while Labour wanted a bigger tax increase, advocating for the maximum 4.99 percent rise.

The council criticized the current government, with Waltham saying teachers might lose jobs. He blamed rising National Insurance costs, suggesting these costs could affect the council budget. Labour noted that government aid exists, and Richard Hannigan cited government indecision, discussing adult social care planning delays.

Len Foster thinks bankruptcy is possible soon, stating Waltham now seeks a near-maximum increase. Waltham disagreed, stating no bankruptcy is expected.

Free summer swimming continues for kids, and Scunthorpe’s Discover 20-21 project progresses well, with the aim to open it this summer. An improved bus service is planned, and pensioners get two months free at leisure centers, with this offer starting in April.

Labour proposed changes, but these failed. Their ideas focused on neglected areas, including Ashby Ville and Scunthorpe’s center. They also wanted better play areas for disabled kids. The Conservative budget then passed easily.

Tributes were shared for Steve Swift and John Briggs, both men recently passed away.