Council approves nearly 5% tax. This affects Sefton residents. Rises start in April for vital services.
Sefton households face higher tax as the council tax rises above inflation. The council approved a 4.99% increase, which begins in April; last year’s budget also had this figure. The council says it’s financially important, as many councils in England face trouble.
One in four might need government help, and Sefton is also feeling the strain. Sefton said they are ‘exposed’ this year, expecting to overspend by £20 million. Social care and children’s services cost a lot, putting them at high risk.
Band C properties will see one example, paying about £86 more yearly. Labour members voted for the budget, while Lib Dem and Conservative members voted against it. Councillors Pugh and Prendergast opposed it, mentioning children’s services costs.
They noted the £17.8 million overspend, and one questioned if the resources work. Ofsted rated the services as ‘inadequate.’ Council Leader Marion Atkinson spoke on the budget and explained the tax rises.
Atkinson supports three-year funding from Labour and discussed children’s service funding. Atkinson stated they invest in vital services for care, education, social, and transport. Budget gaps exist everywhere, and Atkinson says they face big challenges.
They must save money and use reserves, planning to rebuild their financial reserves and implement a plan for growth. Atkinson insists their children and the vulnerable matter most. She believes they are doing the right thing and feels this budget proves that.