South Norfolk Council Council reveals proposes for possible tax rise to ‘live within its means’

A Norfolk council has warned of ‘difficult years ahead’ as it reveals proposals to increase tax to prevent a gap in funding from developing.

South Norfolk Council has disclosed its plans for the 2024/25 budget, amid steeply rising costs.

The proposed policies include a council tax hike which would see Band D properties paying an additional £5 per year, increasing by more than 3pc to £170.

John Fuller, Conservative leader of the council, said there would be ‘some difficult years ahead in terms of getting the books balanced’ as government funding is unlikely to keep pace with expenditure pressures.

He added that the tax increase would allow the council to ‘live within its means’ while collecting more than £9 million.

The plans will also see an increase in council tax for Band A properties by £3.33, Band B by £3.89, Band C by £4.44, Band E by £6.11, Band F by £7.22, Band G by £8.33 and Band H by £10.

The report states that there will be a funding gap of more than £500,000 by 2028 if these changes are not implemented.

The council stressed that action will need to be taken over the coming years to find further savings or additional income to reduce this gap.

Council taxes are made up of a series of elements, with proceeds going to Norfolk County Council, the police, and district, city or borough councils.