Erewash Borough Council aims to freeze council tax

Helen Purcell reports for Erewash Sound

Erewash Borough Council is aiming to announce no further rise in its share (11%) of council tax this year, whilst also ploughing millions of pounds into boosting the borough.

The authority has launched an online survey so residents can give their views on its ambitious proposed budget, which also includes freezing car park charges.

Household subscriptions to get garden waste collected would also be pegged. Meanwhile up to £4.5million will deliver projects to benefit the community.

The consultation – after the council clinched an increase in the funding it gets from central Government – runs until Sunday 10th February.

Erewash’s leader Cllr James Dawson stressed that the authority was still proposing a balanced budget as it reaps the benefits of its financial prudence.

Council tax rises over the past few years have been below inflation – but the last time it was completely frozen was more than a decade ago.

Cllr Dawson (pictured), said of the new Government formula: “We have long advocated for a fairer funding model, maintaining that the borough was disadvantaged under the previous system.

“Erewash has now secured the most favourable settlement of any Derbyshire district – and is the only council in the region to achieve an increase in core spending power.”

He added: “The great position we find ourselves in means we can put around up to £4.5million into our new Erewash Investment Fund to deliver projects that benefit residents, businesses and the wider community.”