Liverpool Council will have to raise council tax again next year it has confirmed.
After receiving a better than expected financial settlement last year, the local authority managed to set a budget that required just £49m in savings rather than the feared £73m. Additional funds will need to be found over the next two financial years.
Cloth was cut by the council through an increase in council tax by 4.99% - the highest amount possible without the need for a referendum. As budget setting time nears closer, the authority has confirmed ratepayers will face an increase next year too but the level at which we all feel the pinch remains unknown.
READ MORE: How old Ashley Dale's killers will be before they are released from prison
READ MORE: 'Malign presence' Niall Barry could not hide his role as head of toxic OCG
In a spiky budget meeting in March this year, councillors set out a three year plan that would effectively save £85m from the Cunard over a three year period. This included making cuts to discretionary spending on areas such as the Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme (LCSS).
As part of a new dedicated page online, the local authority has outlined how it will approach the new financial year and savings required. It said: “In the current financial year, we have been progressing our Financial Improvement Plan, which has included establishing a new mechanism for financial management, making sure we live within our means.
“These include actions on debt write-off, improved income collection, capital programme development and a new reserves policy. There is no doubt that this remains a challenging time for Local Government, due to the volatility of the economy and inflation.”
Setting out its position, the council said a “large increase” in homelessness has been reported nationally and felt acutely within the city, putting pressure on the purse strings, as well as increased demand for social care. It added: “We are working extremely hard to manage this situation and mitigate the impact. Due to careful and detailed planning, our expectation is that we will be able to set a balanced budget in 2024/25.”
Owing to the vast amounts needed to be found, the council hasn’t ruled out another large hike in rates for residents come April and warned if council tax did not increase, it “could lead to a reduction in essential services.” It said: “The budget will also include a recommendation on an increase in Council Tax.
“We are having to consider raising it by the maximum allowed - 2.99% in Council Tax, plus a further 2% to help meet adult social care costs (4.99% in total), as a contribution towards the overall cost of services. The government does assume councils will increase bills annually when it allocates the Local Government Finance Settlement.
“If there is no increase, that could lead to a reduction in essential services, which could particularly impact our most vulnerable residents.”
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Win a family ticket with overnight stay at fun-filled LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
