2024/5 Budget and Council Tax agreed

23 February 2024: Councillors agreed the budget and Council Tax levels for Spelthorne Borough Council for 2024/5 at the Council meeting on Thursday 22 February.

The Council Tax bill contributes towards the costs of funding the services of three organisations – Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey County Council and the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner. For every £1 collected, Spelthorne Council receives just under 10p, Surrey County Council receives just over 76p and the Police receive 14p.

Spelthorne Council increased its share of the Council Tax by 2.9% which equates to an additional £6.27 for the year on a band D property (equivalent to 12p extra per week).

Surrey County Council increased its element of the Council Tax charge by 4.99% and the Police by 4.2%, giving an overall increase of 4.67%. This will mean that for residents living in a Band D property, their total annual bill will increase by £102.79 from £2,201.79 to £2304.58.

The breakdown of how much each of the three Council Tax raising bodies retain per Council Tax band per annum for 2024/25 and the services Spelthorne Borough Council provides can be found here: Council Tax band per annum for 2024/25

Leader of the Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said: “The sheer breadth of the vital services which the Council provides continues to be a responsibility we take very seriously. We are committed to delivering high quality and efficient public services that meet the needs of residents and businesses and demonstrate value for money. We will use your money wisely to deliver the local services that you and your family can be proud of and which put our residents at the heart of everything we do.”

The Council is acutely aware that the cost-of-living crisis and the associated housing crisis is impacting residents and businesses and making their lives very challenging. At the same time, high rates of inflation have significantly increased costs for the Council, especially with respect to staffing, fuel, energy, and food costs; and more residents are in need of support from the Council. In pulling together a balanced Budget the Council has sought to be very mindful of these competing pressures.

The Council took the decision to freeze fees and charges for Meals on Wheels, Luncheon Clubs, and the Opal group to ensure vulnerable residents are not discouraged from using these services. The Council also continues to run Warm Hubs from its Community Centres on Saturdays to help residents who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes. Funds also continue to be given in support of local food banks and charitable organisations which support the community.

If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, help is available. Find out more by visiting www.spelthorne.gov.uk/discounts or call 01784 451499.