This is what people in Chesterfield think of a planned rise in council tax

Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a public consultation on what it calls a ‘small increase’ in council tax for 2021-22.

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It would mean a rise of 6.4 pence a week for the majority of properties in the borough (band A) – a total increase of £3.33 on last year’s bill for the council’s services.

For a band D property, it would amount to 9.6 pence a week, giving an overall rise of £5 for the coming year.

The news comes after figures showed the Covid-19 crisis has led to the council losing more than £6million in income from services it provides, including car parks, leisure centres and theatres.

The authority has applied for and received around £5m from the Government and cut costs by £900,000 – but this still leaves a budget shortfall of £165,000.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “I understand that for many people this is an incredibly difficult time – and the idea of raising council tax, even by a relatively small amount, is never a decision we take lightly.

“However, over the last year the council has faced unprecedented financial pressures – and even with the savings we have made and Government grants, we are still facing a budget shortfall.

“Throughout the pandemic we are keeping the essentials running and many of our staff have been redeployed to support the key services which are needed in the ongoing fight against Covid-19, and to protect our most vulnerable residents.

“But it means we face difficult choices – and it’s vital that as many people as possible share their views in the consultation because the proposal will affect all of our residents.”

Liberal Democrats say the authority should ‘not be dipping into hard-pressed taxpayers’ pockets’.

Coun Paul Holmes, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, said: “Last February, before Covid-19 was even an issue, the Labour-run council predicted that its deficits were going to soar to between £723,000 and £827,000 each year from 2021-2024.

“Yet they keep hiring new staff, such as the recent brand-new post of executive assistant to look after the council leader and deputy leader.

“Their ‘profit making’ commercial activities either make a constant loss like the Market Hall café – or they can’t even tell if they make a profit or loss.

“There are many more examples like this.”

He added: “At meeting after meeting, Liberal Democrat councillors have been calling for the Labour-run council to get a grip of how they spend taxpayers’ money.

“There is a strong case to be made that until they do, they should not be dipping into hard-pressed taxpayers’ pockets with above-inflation tax increases.

“We would be interested to hear what Chesterfield residents think.”

Mixed views were shared by readers on our social media channels.

Max Kerley said: “This year, given the financial hardships faced by so many, there should be no increase in council tax. We are all being forced to economise so why should the tax spenders not do the same?”

Christine Hyland commented: “Given that people are at their lowest financially and mentally, I don’t think there should be any increases at all.”

Dennis Allen said: “People are losing their jobs because of Covid-19 and the council wants to cause more hardship – they want to get real.”

But Andy Slack, a former councillor, said the amount of funding the council has received from central Government in the last 10 years has fallen by a total of £7m.

He added: “Services at most councils are costing more to provide due to coronavirus – for example, the hire of a lot more vehicles due to social distancing.”

Reece Davies said: “I’d honestly pay more tax if it meant the council had more money to put into schools and roads etc. £3 a year extra is not even a fancy coffee at Costa.”

And Chris Mallory said: “It’s a small amount and to be fair to the council they kept up some services far better than other councils locally this last year.”

A council spokesperson said: “People are now being invited to comment on the proposals in a public consultation running until February 1.

“Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the annual budget consultation meeting that usually takes place cannot go ahead but people can still put forward their views online, by email or by telephone.”

To take part in the council’s consultation online, visit https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/your-chesterfield/consultation-and-community-engagement/consultations/budget-consultation.aspx.

People can also share their views by emailing [email protected] or calling 01246 959 645.

The plans will be considered by cabinet members on February 23 and a decision will be made at the full council meeting – held virtually – the following day.

Council tax factfile

Currently, Chesterfield Borough Council has the second lowest rate of council tax in Derbyshire.

It receives only 10 per cent of the annual council tax bill paid by residents, with the remainder being distributed as below:

- Derbyshire County Council – 74 per cent

- Derbyshire Constabulary – 12 per cent

- Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service – four per cent

Residents in Staveley and Brimington also pay for services provided by their town and parish councils.

A borough council spokesperson said: “We provide 50 different services for around 105,000 residents.

“From collecting waste and recycling to providing housing and leisure facilities, residents use our services every day.”

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Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.