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In common with all councils across the country, North Somerset is seeing costs rise at an alarming rate with spiralling inflationary increases, stretched staff resources and an increasing demand for services as more residents are struggling with the impacts of the cost of living crisis.
Cllr Ash Cartman, the council's executive member for finance said: "The preparations for this year's budget have been particularly tough as we've had to identify even more savings after more than a decade of austerity while also being acutely aware of the financial struggles many of our residents are facing.
"We have been determined to protect services which support our most vulnerable residents wherever possible and we will continue to do all we can to support our residents, communities and local businesses, to keep services running, and ensure those who need help get it.
"As well as protecting key public services, we've invested in long-term projects to improve services for children and young people, green initiatives and local communities."
Because councils across the country face significant financial challenges, central government has raised the limit on the amount council tax can be increased to 2.99 per cent. As well as this, again this year the council is able to add a further two per cent increase specifically to fund the increasing costs and demands of adult social care.
North Somerset Council’s share of the council tax bill for an average Band D household will be £1,627.38 in 2023/24 – about £135.62 a month. This is £6.45 more a month than last year’s average Band D monthly cost of £129.17. This remains the lowest rate of council tax in the West of England area.
"A 4.99 per cent increase is more than we would like to make, but still significantly below the current rate of inflation and below the increases seen in other areas of household expenditure like food and energy. We are also keen to ensure that our residents facing financial hardship are aware of the additional support that's available to them through our package of council tax discounts," added Cllr Cartman.
Over 8,300 people who receive council tax support in North Somerset will automatically get a further £25 discount from their 2023/24 council tax bill. Around 1,000 people who receive housing benefit but not council tax support will also receive a £25 discount. A further 3,000 households who have children receiving free school meals but don’t receive council tax support will automatically get a discount of £22.16.
These discounts, funded through North Somerset Council’s allocation of £310,960 from the government’s national Council Tax Support Fund, will be automatically applied for eligible people.
As well as North Somerset Council’s charge, the final council tax bill includes charges for Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Avon Fire and Rescue, and town and parish councils. Council tax bills for 2023/24 will be sent out in March and residents will be able to view and download their latest bill online by signing up to e-billing at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount.