Rother’s share of council tax set to rise

On Monday (February 8), Rother District Council’s cabinet gave the backing to budget proposals, which include a £2.7m draw from reserves to support services and plans to find £632,000 in savings and additional income.

They also include a £4.61 a year increase to Rother’s share of council tax, setting its draw from a Band D household at £188.71 per annum.

Cllr Kevin Dixon, cabinet member for finance, said: “It’s sad we can’t even talk about a zero per cent [council tax] rise this year. It would have been a really nice thing to do, but our finances at the council just do not allow that.

“I know a number of parish councils are proposing a zero per cent precept this year, which is very very commendable, but unfortunately our financial position is such that we can’t consider that.”

If the budget is approved, the council’s total earmarked reserves are expected to fall to £7m before accounting. 

However, financial forecasts predict that earmarked reserves could reduce to £4m by 2025/26. Officers warned the levels of reserves could fall further, should the council’s “ambitious but achievable” savings targets not be delivered.

The budget also assumes a fall in the number of households able to pay  council tax in full as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the proposals gained the support of the cabinet, a final decision is set to be made a full council meeting in the near future.