At the recent Full Council meeting held on 3 March, councillors approved the 2025/26 budget, including the level of Council Tax to be collected over the next 12 months.
To help fund local services and maintain financial stability, our share of Council Tax will increase by 2.99% from 1 April 2025. This equates to an increase of 7p per week for Band A properties and 11p per week for Band D properties.
We recognise that any increase is difficult, especially during challenging times. However, like councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and increasing demand for services. This funding is essential to protect and maintain the services that residents rely on and deliver a balanced budget for the year ahead.
An independent audit has confirmed that our finances are well-managed. External independent auditors reviewed our 2023-24 accounts and reported that they “have not identified a significant weakness in the Council’s arrangements in relation to financial sustainability.” This demonstrates we are managing public funds responsibly and planning effectively for the future.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, said: “In the recent past, the external auditor raised concerns about the financial stability of the Council. I’m pleased, therefore, that our latest independent audit has confirmed that the Council’s reserves are more than adequate, and there are no significant weaknesses in our financial sustainability."
"This year’s budget report further reinforces that our finances are sound and robust, with reserves and balances more than adequate for 2025/26. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff who have navigated significant pressures to bring us to this stable position.”
To view the full Council Tax rates for 2025/26, visit: www.ambervalley.gov.uk/council-tax/annual-council-tax-rates
Find out more about how we manage our finances and read the full audit report at: www.ambervalley.gov.uk/council/budgets-and-spending
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
