Council tax rise proposed in new budget
GETTYRotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has included a 3% rise in council tax in its proposed budget for the forthcoming financial year.
The rise would comprise a 1% increase in the basic rate of council tax, and an additional 2% increase for the adult social care precept.
The increase is expected to generate approximately £4m, over half of which would be used to support adult social care services.
Council leader Chris Read said the budget would "reflect our commitment to meeting the priorities that Rotherham residents have set out for us".
Under the new rates, the council tax for a Band D property would increase from £1,816.15 to £1,870.63, while Band A properties will see an increase from £1,210.76 to £1,247.09, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The proposed rise is intended to help fund the increased demand on adult social care services, with £2.7 million allocated specifically for this area.
Proposed investments by the council also include £17 million to support adult social care, £4.3 million to meet the demands of home-to-school transport costs, and £1.5 million towards waste management.
Additionally, £2.6 million in savings have been identified across the authority, which would be achieved by improving service delivery efficiency, such as optimising waste collection routes and maximising grant funding in children's services.
The council also stated it would use its budget to improve public spaces and enhance safety in town and village centres, creating a new "Street Safe Team" with a particular focus on high-footfall areas.
Other proposed initiatives include increased investment in road maintenance - with £100,000 allocated to improve road markings across the borough, and additional resources to improve verge maintenance in rural areas.
A significant investment of £6 million will go toward the Catcliffe Village Flood Alleviation Scheme, aimed at improving flood protection in the area by enhancing the flow path of the River Rother. The scheme is expected to be completed within three to five years.
A £50,000 allocation will fund a new scheme offering free parking for the first hour in council-operated car parks in the town centre, designed to support local businesses, increase footfall, and encourage residents to shop locally.
The proposals will be presented to the cabinet on 10 February, with final approval to be decided by the full council on 5 March.
Read said: "This year's funding settlement is one of the largest increases for councils in over a decade, placing Rotherham among the top 12 nationally for funding growth - it is a very welcome change of direction."
"However, significant challenges remain, and we remain focused on delivering for our residents."
"Our budget reflects our commitment to meeting the priorities that Rotherham residents have set out for us in numerous public consultations over the last few years—investing in vital services, supporting communities, increasing the economic opportunities open to local people, and improving the look and feel of our communities."
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