Do you support Council Tax increase in South Norfolk?
A budget consultation has been launched - Credit: Sonya Duncan
Residents across south Norfolk are being asked their views on whether a proposed rise in Council Tax should be increased to a higher level.
South Norfolk Council has launched a consultation on its budget setting process for 2017/18 and is asking residents and businesses to take part.
The council is expected to face an overall £6m shortfall due to government cuts and is asking about levels of Council Tax increases and the possibility of offering the option to pay for enhanced non-statutory services.
The consultation says that an already proposed £3 rise in Council Tax may not be enough due to a review of the grant of central government funding for building new homes that left the authority £807,000 worse off than expected - leading to the council asking if people support a £4 or £5 rise instead to protect services.
The budget consultation also asks what people think of discretionary charges for garden waste services, leisure services, car parks and its planning service and whether proposals to give residents an option to pay for an upgrade/enhancement to some services are needed.
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With reducing funding coming from central government, based on current projections the council says it will need to find £6m in additional income or savings by 2020/21 to enable it to deliver a balanced budget.
Michael Edney, South Norfolk Council's cabinet member for finance and resources, said: 'Councillors are elected to make decisions for everyone, but it does help to receive ideas and feedback.
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'Every year, central government funds a large part of district council revenue spending through grants. But councils have seen big cuts across the country, and South Norfolk has been hit harder than others.
'This consultation is a great opportunity for our residents and businesses to contribute to the discussions we are having on the budget for next year and to help us find a way to continue to balance our books.'
The consultation can be found on the council's website at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk and will end on January 31.
