Council considers a 3% tax increase for 2025/26, pending full council approval. Extra funds for property upkeep are also proposed.
The council tax could rise by 2.98% for district residents, covering parish council costs. Band D property owners may pay £5.51 more a year, making the annual charge £189.37, or £3.60 weekly.
Council Leader Ashley Baxter introduced the budget, noting debates since October. A public survey received many responses after January 20, with about 65% backing the maximum 2.98% rise.
The council considered adding £2 million to property upkeep, boosting the reserve to £3.78 million. This would come from another reserve, lowering it to £3.8 million.
Baxter said they need better building maintenance to ensure usable district facilities. He wants readily available funds for needed projects, avoiding project delays.
Deputy Leader Paul Stokes mentioned crematory fees. Councillor Gareth Knight raised a price difference issue where Muslim burials sometimes cost less than other burials. This issue was first raised in January.
A non-Muslim burial for adults costs £1,524, while a Muslim burial costs £1,181—£343 cheaper. Non-Muslim burials for young children cost more as well.
Council members sent the issue to the cabinet for review. Stokes said Muslim fees are recent, only five years old, and there were few Muslim burials there. They will examine this before 2026/27 and Stokes sees no discrimination in place.