Hampshire council tax is set to rise '“ but bosses say it is '˜no mean feat'

Representatives passed a 5.99 per cent increase in the property bill as they gave their budget for 2018/19 the green light at a meeting of full council tonight.

But while the change means residents of Band D homes are set to fork out an extra £1.31 per week – equating to a total sum of £1,200.96 each year – bosses say the swell is ‘no mean feat’.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council (HCC), said: ‘A number of local services residents have said they value, we have saved, and the budget will particularly contribute towards some of the pressures resulting from growing demand for social care for the elderly, vulnerable adults, and young people.

‘Compared with neighbouring counties such as Dorset and Surrey where Council Tax can be over £200 per annum more, Hampshire will deliver ongoing value for money.’

Influencing HCC’s budget, residents heard in October the authority plans to make a whopping £480m in savings across the next 11 years.

Dubbing the forecast a ‘tough decision, Cllr Perry continued: ‘Even with the agreed 5.99 per cent increase in the council tax precept for 2018/19 – which is made up of a 2.99 per cent core council tax increase which government now expects all councils to implement, and three per cent specifically to support adult social care pressures – Hampshire’s council tax precept will still be nearly £100 lower than it would have been when measured against inflation since 2010.

‘This is no mean feat when factored alongside the very tough decisions we have needed to make in order to live within our means.’