Havant Borough Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by less than 14p a week for a Band D property.
The proposed increase would see the annual charge for the borough council element of an average Band D property rise by £6.94 (2.98%) to £239.76 from April 2025.
The final budget proposals for 2025/26 will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Wednesday 12 February before being debated and voted on at the full council meeting on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
The proposed final budget of £19.6million, incorporates savings of £2m. With the generation of extra income through fees and charges, this means that the council will not have to use its reserves.
Councillor Philippa Gray, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Lead for Finance, said “We are proposing to increase the Havant Borough element of council tax for 2025/25 by less than 14p a week.
“Balancing a budget year on year is becoming increasingly difficult, however making some tough decisions now will enable us to be more resilient in the future, allowing us to continue delivering vital frontline services to our residents.”
“We are working extremely hard to minimise costs and have identified savings to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible, whilst improving the local environment for our residents.
“These proposals have not been made lightly, and I am keen that we deliver a fair, balanced and sustainable budget, whilst recognising the huge potential our borough holds for future economic development and regeneration.”
“It is worth noting that the Havant Borough element of council tax accounts for less than 11 percent of your total bill. For that, we provide more than 200 services that help improve the lives of residents.”
Some of the proposed savings being considered by the Cabinet include the delivery of services being brought in-house to relieve contract costs and changing the provision of temporary accommodation.
Watch Havant Borough Council’s Cabinet meeting taking place on Wednesday 12 February 2025.