Halton Council Considers Tax and Bin Charge Increase to Balance Budget

Halton Council leaders will meet soon. They will likely support next year’s budget plan. The plan includes a council tax increase, potentially rising by 4.99 percent, which is the maximum allowed now. A Band D property could pay £1,846.66 per year, an £88 increase.

You’ll also pay for Cheshire Police, costing £277, up £14, and Cheshire Fire will cost £95, a £5 increase. The Liverpool City Region precept is £24, rising by £5 as well. All of these add up to £2,242, a total increase of £111.

Some areas face extra charges for their local parish councils. Daresbury is £48, Moore is £18, Preston Brook is £197, Halebank is £75, and Sandymoor is £29. Daresbury and Preston Brook have significant increases, rising 49 and 40 percent respectively.

The budget plan includes changes aimed at boosting income and saving money. Green bin collection fees will rise from £43 to £50 per year. Area forum funding will end as well.

Staff may be offered voluntary severance. The deputy mayor post remains, but its funding will cease. Special needs transport will be reviewed to reduce agency costs. The goal is to save £1.7 million.

Halton will receive a loan exceeding £50 million to cover funding gaps. This year’s gap is £20m, and next year’s is over £30m.

Halton’s council tax will likely remain low, among the lowest in the North West. Many homes are in lower bands; Band A is nearly half of all properties, and Bands A to C comprise 82%. Most will pay less overall, and many homes also qualify for council tax discounts.

The executive board must approve this plan. Then, the Full Council votes on it next month.