Page 15 - Countesthorpe Herald April 2025

APRIL 2025
COUNCIL TAX BILLS SET
TO ADD TO THE COST OF
LIVING
Council Tax bills will have landed on the doormat recently, so this is to update you on the current financial position and the reasons for the decision to raise Council Tax levels.
I’m sure you will be aware of the current financial crises facing local government with some Councils forced to declare bankruptcy. While thankfully our situation is nowhere near as severe as some, we continue to face considerable financial challenges, both now and in the future. Lower core funding from the Government, higher running costs, increased demand for services and potential reductions in some income streams all have to be considered when balancing the Council budget. For example this financial year 2025-26, our one-year grant from the Government is £200,000 less than the previous year.
Along with the annual Government grant and business rates, Council Tax is vital in allowing us to provide services to you. It is responsible for funding almost half the cost of our services - some 43%.
As a result of this, we (Blaby District Council) had little choice but to take the difficult decision to increase our portion of Council Tax by 2.99%, roughly 11p per week, or an extra £5.65 a year for a band D property. This brings our element of the total Band D average Council Tax bill for 2025-26 to £194.79 a year, around £16 a month or about £4 a week.
While we are responsible for collecting Council Tax for the District, as you can see from the chart above, we keep just 8p (approximately) from every £1 in Council Tax taken. This money ensures our services continue to benefit our communities.
A budget gap was identified for this year and we have supported the budget using £375,000 from reserves to maintain a balanced budget without affecting services. Our forecasts suggest increased budget gaps in the coming years and we accept we may have to make difficult decisions as we look to close these gaps. However, our residents and businesses remain firmly at the heart of what we do. We will continue to focus not just on those services we have a duty to deliver but also those which add the greatest value. Our Blaby District Plan 2024-28, brings together our commitment to enhancing the District and ensuring it remains a great place to live, work and visit, while still balancing our books as a financially responsible Council.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Blaby District Council Leader
THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD 15
Countesthorpe Council Tax bands 2025/26 [A] £1,625.90 [B] £1,896.89 [C] £2,167.87 [D] £2,438.85 [E] £2,980.83 [F] £3,522.80 [G] £4,064.76 [H] £4,877.70
TOURISM STRATEGY
A new tourism strategy aimed at boosting the local economy, supporting business and backing jobs has been launched by Blaby District Council.
The Tourism Growth Plan has been developed with input from partners and local businesses. It was officially launched during English Tourism Week linking in with this year’s theme Supporting People and Places to Drive Growth.
Building on the success of the previous plan, it sets out ambitions for an increase in visitor numbers and the local economy by 10% up to 2030.
Figures show in 2023 tourism added £216.84m to the District’s economy and supported more than 2,000 local jobs. Dedicated website and social media channels are helping push the Council’s own offerings, such as heritage walks and Bouskell Park ice-house tours. Popular events such as Cosby Yarn Bomb and The Victory Show also feature, as well as hints on places to visit, stay and eat.
A key strength has been cooperation through the Blaby District Tourism Partnership. Working with Visit Leicester has also provided opportunities. These alliances remain a priority in the Plan.