Gosport council tax increases amid Covid-19 budget concerns

On Wednesday evening, Gosport Borough Council voted on a new budget for the 2021/22 financial year.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus in March last year, Gosport – like most councils – was forced to dip into its reserves to support businesses and residents.

As the Conservative-led council looks to repair the damage done by the virus, it has opted to increase its share of council tax by an average of £5 for a band D property.

This is the largest increase the council could apply. Gosport’s share is only one part of council tax, with a 3.99 per cent increase coming from Hampshire County Council, which imposes the lion’s share of the bill, and a hike coming from the police as well.

In his speech, council leader Cllr Mark Hook said: ‘For 2020/21 against the original budget set, we have seen the financial impact of Covid-19 to Gosport at just over £3m for the year.

‘Despite the enormous difficulties we have had delivering during the pandemic, this budget will continue to deliver efficiency, sustainability and value for money.

‘It will not only maintain, but improve on front line services, provide new facilities for all ages throughout the borough, help tackle climate change, provide new homes for Gosport people and put in place funding to help the recovery, create regeneration and economic growth and deliver jobs.’

Cllr Hook said the council tax increase works out at roughly 10p per week for a band D property, and 7p a week for band B properties – the most popular in the borough.

He added that the council now has more than £3.5m in the revenue financing reserve.

SEE ALSO: Gosport councillors row over Captain Sir Tom Moore applause during meeting

But opposition leader, Cllr Peter Chegwyn, criticised Cllr Hook for leaving behind a ‘legacy’ of budget deficits.

He said: ‘This is a particularly difficult year, and an unusual one.

‘The problem simply with this budget is what Cllr Hook is leaving behind.

‘That is his legacy – a budget deficit of £2.16m on present figures and increasing council tax regardless of what band your in, at a time when inflation is four times less than that.’

With votes from Conservative and Labour councillors, the budget was approved. Liberal Democrats abstained.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.