RESIDENTS in Alcester and Studley will be paying more in council tax in 2022-23.
Meeting on Monday, February 21, Stratford District Council agreed a 3.3 per cent increase in council tax, equivalent to £5 per year on a Band D property, taking it to £154.12 a year.
This comes on top of a 3.75 per cent increase from Warwickshire County Council, which equates to an increase of £1.10p per week for a Band D dwelling – or £57.20p a year.
Added to that is an increase of 3.85 per cent to the Warwickshire Police precept which represents an 81p per month hike or £9.75 per year on a Band D property.
Speaking after passing the district’s council tax rise, Councillor Tony Jefferson, the Leader of Stratford District Council said: “We have had to take the decision to raise our council tax by the maximum permitted, £5 on a Band D property.
“This brings the total council tax bill for Stratford District’s services to £154.12 for a Band D property.
“It must be remembered that this is only 7.4 per cent of the total council tax bill to residents.”
Warwickshire County Council receives the lion’s share of council tax – 76.7 per cent, the Police 12.7 per cent and Towns/Parishes 3.2 per cent.
This means the District Council only retains 7.4p of every £1 paid in council tax to provide its services.
“We know just how challenging the past year has been for residents and businesses across our district,” said Coun Jefferson.
“This is a carefully considered budget, prioritising key areas such as housing and tackling climate change to help protect the environment for future generations together with other projects, including tourism promotion to invest in our District and communities.
“The levels of uncertainty in the wider economy remain extremely high. The prudent approach we are adopting will enable us to be in a better position to cope with any unexpected shocks.
“Until we receive greater clarity about our longer term financial position, we have endeavoured to protect the provision of services to residents for next year.
“Although we are expecting to make significant savings through our ambition to merge with Warwick District Council, the budget in future years will be extremely dependent upon the level of support from Government.”
