Council tax will rise by 2.99 per cent, the number of council homes will increase and refuse collection services will be bolstered in Uttlesford District Council's 2024/2025 budget.

The budget, approved on February 26, includes investment of more than £1 million on more bin crews and three new collection lorries.

Uttlesford District Council has committed to continue funding vital community needs including climate crisis mitigation, supporting voluntary organisations and building new council homes.

Two years into a five-year change programme, called the 'Blueprint', the council plans to drastically transform its operations in the next few years while seeking to amplify sustainable income flows and achieve service-level efficiency.

The programme has already earned £2.1 million in income and savings, exceeding expectations on its path to the £7 million target.

The balanced budget for the next fiscal year includes an increase in some fees and charges, including the first rise in car park charges in eight years, alongside minor usage of financial reserve savings, as urged by central government.

After a year anticipated to close £1.3 million above budget expectations, total usable reserves stand at £22 million, with a £2 million rise in reserves available for balancing to £8 million.

Taxpayers in Band D properties will see their tax increase by 10p per week, raising the district council's charges to around £3.50 per week.

The council has announced plans to raise rents for its 2,800 council homes by 7.7 per cent, resulting in an average weekly rent of £125.74.

The budget has allocated £3.7 million towards the expansion of council homes, including £1.08 million for a scheme in Takeley, and £2.35 million for other new projects.

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Commercial assets within the council's portfolio remain profitable despite rising interest rates, with the portfolio valued at £20m more than was paid for it.

As required by government, the council must make large reductions in borrowing, which in the coming year will be part paid out of the general fund. 

However, the council has said that all payments will be covered in future years, and the net contribution for supporting council services will rise to over £3m per year.