Council considers a maximum council tax increase to fund essential local services and social care amidst budget pressures.
The rise is 2.99% for general services. A 2% increase will cover adult social care. Government grants assume councils raise taxes fully. Cllr McGurk will suggest these tax increases at a meeting.
Band D homes might pay £1.08 more per week. Band A homes could pay 72p extra weekly. Blackburn with Darwen Council offers many community services. They handle schools, roads, and social care. They support adults and children.
A Band D home’s council tax could reach £1,964.93 yearly. This is only for the borough’s part of the bill. Police add £14 yearly, and fire services add £5. A Band D home’s total bill will be £2,332.06. This excludes town or parish council fees.
Cllr Desai thinks the rise is fair. He cites fragile economy and public service needs. He says it equals about 25p per day.
Cllr Slater disagrees with the tax increase. He claims the council is poorly managed. He also mentions absence of elections.