Council tax freeze agreed for Mid Suffolk

28/02/25

Mid Suffolk District Council has bucked a nationwide trend by agreeing to freeze its element of council tax for the upcoming financial year – helping residents to navigate the cost-of-living crisis while continuing investment in priority areas to improve quality of life in the district.

Although the vast majority of councils across the UK will be applying a maximum increase on council tax bills for 2025/26, Mid Suffolk District Council this week agreed not to pass on the burden of rising costs to residents, whilst also pledging further investment to make the district thrive.

According to a report before the council, the net cost of providing the council’s services to residents is expected to rise by almost £1.6m to £17.7m in 2025/26.

In addition, the council has pledged to continue to invest in its Mid Suffolk Plan, designed to make the district thrive – not just economically, but also culturally, socially and environmentally.

It has also committed to a capital programme of £36.3m to deliver an ambitious pipeline of projects across the district. This includes improved community sport provision, town centre regeneration, support for rural communities, and the construction of a new Skills and Innovation Centre beginning soon at Gateway 14, Stowmarket – supporting local firms to grow and innovate, as well as encouraging further inward investment to the region.

Despite this, the council is not proposing an increase in council tax, meaning that the annual Mid Suffolk proportion of the council tax bill for a Band D property would remain at £175.03.

That works out at less than £3.37 a week to cover all district council services, including waste collection, licensing, planning, public realm and supporting the local economy, culture and communities.

Cllr Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said:

“We hope this is welcome news to our residents as other household bills continue to rise.

“Being in the fortunate position to freeze council tax is unusual for a local authority, but this has been made possible thanks to buoyant growth in business rates, including income from the Gateway 14 Freeport site in Stowmarket, as well as funds generated from housing development in the district.”

Cllr Richard Winch, Mid Suffolk District Council’s acting cabinet member for finance and resources, said:

“Our general fund is in a strong position, and this has already allowed us to invest in areas like community transport, enhancing Stowmarket town centre, and improving our environment.

“We have continued to listen to residents to understand what matters most to them, and look forward to delivering on our promises.”

Less than 10% of each household’s council tax bill goes to the district council, with the remainder going to Suffolk County Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner and town or parish councils.

There is further information about how to pay council tax and support available for those who may be struggling on the council’s website.