Council agrees ‘prudent but ambitious’ budget which invests in town centres, sport and nature

At Thursday’s Full Council meeting, councillors agreed a 2.99% increase to its portion of the council tax bill. For Band D households, this means an increase of £5.23 per year towards district council services, meaning their annual contribution will rise from £175.03 to £180.26.

Cllr Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Mid Suffolk receives just 8% of the total council tax bill, but that small share funds a wide range of essential services that residents rely on every day, offering excellent value for money.

"This includes weekly rubbish and recycling collections, maintenance of parks and green spaces, leisure facilities, planning services, regeneration projects, support for those at risk of homelessness, and much more. The rest of your bill goes to Suffolk County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and town or parish councils."

The meeting heard Mid Suffolk faced reduced funding from the Local Government Finance Settlement, leaving the council facing a significant deficit from 2029/30. In particular, changes from the Government’s provisional settlement to the final settlement have resulted in a net reduction in funding over the next three years of over £2m.

As a result of this, Mid Suffolk was left with little option but to increase its portion of the bill, with Cllr Mellen describing the approach as "prudent but ambitious".

Nevertheless, funds generated from significant housing development, buoyant growth in business rates – including income from the Freeport site at Gateway 14 – and prudent use of reserves means it is possible to continue investing in the future of the district.

Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for finance, Cllr Janet Pearson, said: "The aim of this budget has been to ensure the viability of our services in the medium term, while continuing to grow our ambitions for the district.

"Recently, our £1.5m Stowmarket Town Centre Gateway Fund, which uses income from our investment in Gateway 14, is bringing empty town centre units back into use. The first success story has been The Bull Room community darts venue, which opened in December, and more bids are now being considered.

"What’s more, our £18m skills and innovation centre at Gateway 14 is set to open later this year and will become a hub for talented local businesses, with a particular focus on the green economy, digital and AI technology.

"Outside of Stowmarket, we are continuing to commit £750,000 per year towards our Community Sports Infrastructure Grant to support the development of new facilities or fund essential upgrades across the district, while our Mid Suffolk Rural Support Fund remains available to help with the revitalisation of rural high streets, improvement of infrastructure and protection of beloved community assets.

"We’re also accelerating our work to enhance the district’s biodiversity and nature and safeguard it for future generations, with nearly £2m committed to a new fund to reverse habitat loss and support for wildlife.

"Investing in projects like these will help drive the future of our district and make Mid Suffolk an even greater place to live, work in and visit."

Mid Suffolk District Council continues to provide advice and support to those struggling to pay their bills, with a council tax reduction of up to 100% for residents with the lowest incomes.