A council tax increase for Solihull residents ignites fierce clashes, with accusations and budget concerns.
The total increase amounts to 4.99 percent, equating to an extra £83.44 for Band D taxpayers, bringing their total to £1,755.66. The council passed a £202.588 million budget on Thursday, February 27.
Solihull Council requested £5.603 million from the government this year in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). EFS enables councils to borrow or sell assets to cover daily service costs. The council received £32.685 million in EFS for the coming year and an additional £15.615 million to balance the books by March 2025.
Council leader Ian Courts acknowledged the tough financial situation, calling it unprecedented in 20 years. He stated that officers worked diligently to identify savings. EFS aids in balancing the budget and maintaining adequate reserves. Though he is aware of residents facing cost-of-living pressures, he supports the increase in council tax.
Green Party leader Max McLoughlin criticized the budget, claiming it doesn’t improve the situation, despite considerable effort to mitigate negative effects. He labelled service transformations as “cuts.” Liberal Democrat leader Ade Adeyamo expressed that Solihull residents are shocked, feeling misled about the finances. He also asserted that EFS is a loan, not free money, and therefore must be repaid.
Opposition councillors expressed feeling excluded from the budget process, with McLoughlin unable to submit an alternative budget due to the late EFS announcement. Courts responded by saying, “You chose not to,” citing a lack of trust and fears of using information for propaganda.
Laura McCarthy placed the blame on the council leader, referencing failures in children’s services. The leader responded that they had invested money into those very services. He also stated that past economic growth had been helpful. He asserted there was no blame, but praise, to be given. Ultimately, the Conservative group voted to pass the budget, while other council members voted against it or abstained.