Council set to approve average council tax rise of 4.98 per cent

WARRINGTON Borough Council chiefs are to be asked to approve a 4.98 per cent Council Tax rise – meaning a figure of £1,565.67 for the average Band D home.

But when the precepts of Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are added, the figure rises to £1,863.16.
And when the precepts of the 18 parish and town councils across the borough are added, the average Band D figure rises to £1,898.31..
The highest council tax rate in the borough will be a Band H house at Birchwood at £3,954.98.
The final decision will be made at the council cabinet meeting on February 8, although in theory it could be amended by full council.
Cabinet members will consider a report presented by deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council Cathy Mitchell before reaching a decision.
The report notes that it has been a particularly challenging year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is expected the council will finish 2020-21 in a financially strong position, maintaining a robust level of reserves.
It includes £11.6 million savings to add to £36.3 million saved over the previous two years. But further savings of £52.5 million still need to be made over the next four years to meet Government requirements.
The report adds  “As always, the council will work closely with staff and the Trade Unions to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies, which has worked well in recent years. It is estimated that the saving proposals along within-year budget management and a corporate voluntary redundancy exercise will lead to a reduction in a small number of posts, with the deletion of vacant posts and approval of voluntary redundancies keeping the need for compulsory redundancies to a minimum.”