Council tax freeze proposed in Mid Suffolk

06/12/24

Mid Suffolk District Council proposes 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.

A report going before Cabinet on Friday, 13 December shows the net cost of providing the council’s services to communities and residents is expected to rise by £1.69m to £15.9m in 2025/26 – an increase of about 12%.

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 £3.36 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 while the ongoing cost-of-living crisis causes other household bills to continue rising.

“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.”

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.

Mid Suffolk’s budget report notes an increase in the revenue budget of £950,000 in 2025/26, funded from earmarked reserves, to allow for the implementation of the Mid Suffolk Plan, which sets out the council’s commitment to making the district thrive, not just economically, but culturally, socially and environmentally.

Also in next year’s draft budget, a capital programme of £40.6m has been proposed for a pipeline of projects across the district.

This includes further progression of the council’s Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14, which has just received planning permission.

Cllr Richard Winch, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for housing and property, said:

“Our general fund is in a strong position, and 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 we are excited about additional projects we can deliver.

“For example, work will start next year on our Skills and Innovation Centre – which will be a hub for talented local businesses, with a particular focus on the green economy, digital and AI technology. It will not only help to bridge the skills gap, but allow firms to grow, innovate and encourage more inward investment.”

If approved by Cabinet on 13 December, the proposed budget will go before Mid Suffolk’s full council on 27 February, subject to further consideration at Overview and Scrutiny on 19 December and at the next Cabinet meeting on 11 February.