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Budget and Council Tax approved for 2026-27
The 2026-27 budget and rates of Council Tax were approved at Blaby District Council’s February Full Council meeting.
Councillors were told uncertainty remained over future government funding as well as the cost of changes due to Local Government Reorganisation.
A funding gap of £1.5m had been identified for 2026-27 and, as the Council must produce a balanced budget, this was to be met by using money from reserves, in addition to raising Council Tax.
A budget of £19.178m was approved with reference made to major planned projects which includes investing in temporary housing to provide homes for local homeless families, bedding in the new food waste recycling service and upgrading the EV charging capability at the Council’s Whetstone depot.
Councillors considered and agreed the recommendation to raise Council Tax levels by 2.99% for 2026-27.
This means the average Band D household will see a £5.83 increase (around 11p a week) on the District Council share of this year’s bill, amounting to £200.62 a year.
Other elements from Leicestershire County Council (£1,732) the police (£315) fire and rescue service (£92) and parish and town councils (average £151) will also make up residents’ final bills.
It gives a total bill of around £2,490.22 (slightly less or more depending on how much the relevant parish or town council charge) for a Band D household in the District, a 3.47% increase on 2025-26.
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, People and Transformation, said: "For most of our residents their Council Tax bill will be one of their biggest household bills for the year. We acknowledge the continuing economic situation can create significant additional pressure for our residents, which makes the decision to increase Council Tax as difficult as ever.
"However, if we are to maintain and provide services and protect our vulnerable residents, we are faced with little alternative but to increase Blaby District’s share of the Council Tax."
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore
Portfolio Holder for Finance, People and Transformation