NELC poised to hike council tax by 2.99 per cent (plus add-on precept) at town hall budget meeting

                                             

Grimsby Town Hall where councillors are likely to approve council tax rise at meeting next week 

HOUSEHOLDERS in North East Lincolnshire face a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent in the forthcoming financial year.

In addition be a two per cent supplementary contribution towards adult social care.

The measures are likely to be rubber-stamped next week at a full council meeting in Grimsby Town Hall.

The increase would have been higher had it not for a pledge from Whitehall that all local authorities will benefit from a 6.1 per cent in grant aid to help pay for services.

A report to the meeting states: "Continued transformation and targeted change are  essential to ensure the council achieves the right outcomes and maintains financial sustainability over the medium term, particularly in adult social care where both demand and complexity are increasing."

The document also carries a note on ongoing capital projects such as redevelopment schemes in Grimsby's Top Town and on Cleethorpes seafront of Freshney Place which, despite Whitehall funding, have required substantial NELC investment.

It insists these are being "kept under regular review to ensure alignment with current priorities and ongoing viability, particularly in relation to corporate financing costs". 

The report concludes: "Despite a range of social, economic, and demand-related challenges, the administration remains focused on achieving financial sustainability by harnessing the area’s economic potential, expanding the local tax base and delivering efficient, affordable public services."