Westmorland and Furness Council has proposed a significant increase to next year’s council tax, with a 4.99% rise.
This would be the maximum allowed under current government rules, comprising a 2.99% general increase and an additional 2% dedicated to adult social care.
The council has cited “growing pressures from demand and legislative changes” as key reasons for the proposed hike.
The 4.99% increase would help the council meet the financial challenges posed by rising demand for services and changes in legislation that have impacted local government finances.
Under the government’s current rules, councils in England that provide adult social care services are allowed to raise council tax by up to 5%.
If approved, the total income from council tax for Westmorland and Furness Council would amount to £184.53m.
If the proposed increase goes ahead, the Band D council tax bill for the 2025/26 financial year would rise to £1,918.97. This represents an annual increase of £91.21, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The council’s report stressed that council tax is the primary source of income for the local authority, accounting for more than half of its net revenue.
As part of its wider financial strategy, the council also plans to introduce a 100% council tax premium on second homes, which will take effect in April.
This measure is expected to raise an additional £10.6m for the authority, helping to offset some of the financial pressures faced by the council.
The council has outlined its commitment to identifying long-term, sustainable solutions to its budget challenges.
The report emphasised the need to focus spending on key areas that support the council’s priorities and vision, while also making efficient use of resources to improve services for residents.
The council’s leadership reassured residents that efforts would continue to ensure value for money and ongoing improvements in local services, even as they navigate these financial challenges.
Westmorland and Furness Council is set to launch a public consultation on the proposed budget increase on 17 December, at Barrow Town Hall. The council is encouraging residents to participate and share their views on the proposed changes to council tax and local services.
