Council Tax set to rise by £103, with New Romney leading the way.

Once again New Romney, Hawkinge and Folkestone take the medal positions for the highest Council Tax rates across the district, using the band D average.

It’s inevitable that Council Tax rises each year, just like the Sun rising and the moon setting, somethings never change. It’s just the way it is.

This year using the average Band D calculation across the Folkestone & Hythe District, Council Tax will rise by £103.41, according to the the Council Tax Report  (A/22/31) to go before full council on the 22 Feb 2023.

Using the Band D average, New Romney, represented at District by Cllrs David Wimble(FHIG) & Cllr Patricia Rolfe (Con) will pay the most Council Tax at £2264.15, an increase of £97.16, on a Band D property.

Then comes Hawk inge, represented by Cllr Godfrey (Con), P.Martin (Ind) & Peall (Con) who see an increase of £102.17, on a Band D property.

And in bronze medal position is Folkestone, represented by Cllrs Brook (FHIG), Davison (Lab) & Monk (Con)  who’ll see an increase of £103.73, on a Band D property.

Folkestone see’s the largest rise as it also includes special expenses in respect of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds.

It is more likely than not, our district will retain the status of charging the highest council tax of any Council in Kent, for the twentieth year in a row, if the recommendation to raise council tax by 2.99%, is approved by Full Council on the 22nd Feb at 7pm.

This does not have to be “the way it is“. We have put forward proposals to reduce your Council Tax back in August, when we posted:

Do you want £50 quid of your Council Tax

Following Harlow would lead to paying less Council Tax for us all in Kent

and

Dartford, who froze their Council Tax, last year, and propose the same in 2023/24.

Because of the financial and contract irregularities; which have come to light, this means it is not possible to reduce your Council Tax for 2023/24, as the Council have a projected deficit of £4 – 5m for 2023/24. There are further deficits in further years; which in full, until 2026/27, total £16m. Any incoming Councillor will need to consider this financial handbrake, haggle over solutions, and be the change so many crave.

There are discounts available if you’re on low income for council tax. One should check if your household might be eligible. These are

Council Tax Reduction (also known as Council Tax Support)

Disability reduction

Single person Discount

Second Adult Rebate

Discretionary reduction

For an excellent breakdown of your rights, take a look at National Debtline Fact Sheet ⇒ here

Also one can challenge the valuation band your house is in, which can result in a lower Council Tax charge via the Valuation Tribunal Service.

If you do find yourself struggling to pay your council tax, do contact the Council – sooner rather than later – as they can help. 01303 853000, Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Or use their live chat system, or your My account, if you have one.

You can also contact the local branch of Citizen Advice Bureau in Georges Lane Folkestone on 01303 241435, who offer a debt advice service.

The Shepway Vox Team

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