Published Tuesday 27 February 2018 at 13:51
The Council’s budget has been approved for 2018/2019.
The rise includes a 2.99% rise to meet the Council’s ongoing challenges in the face of Government budget cuts and an extra 3% specifically for caring for our vulnerable adults. The area of adult social care is one that requires a lot of increasing investment at a time when the Council is receiving less from Government.
This means that the average person living in a council tax band “A” property will pay approximately £1.06 more a week for their Council services in the borough.
The Council is responsible for delivering many services including libraries, roads, leisure centres, collecting and disposing of waste, public health and supporting vulnerable children and older people.
To deliver these services the Council has an annual budget funded from council tax payments, grants and income.
Since 2010 the Council has lost approximately 40% of its funding from Central Government and over the same period, demand for Council services and support has grown significantly, especially for adults and children’s social care, highways and other increases in waste disposal costs.
Cllr Andy Kay, Executive Member for Resources said:
We are reluctantly having to raise Council Tax in line with Government’s assumptions. However Blackburn with Darwen’s Council Tax remains low when compared to other Councils, it has the second lowest Council tax in Lancashire, though we know that any increase adds to the very real pressures people are already facing. The Government in setting their support have assumed your council will increase Council Tax. We urge the Government to look into funding adult’s social care properly instead of placing the burden on Council tax payers.
Despite the challenges, the Council is focusing on the opportunities that digital innovation can bring to help make further savings and improve services.
Cllr Kay added:
We are working hard to ensure we can continue to provide the services that mean the most to people in the borough, particularly the most vulnerable.
As residents are living longer we have to manage the pressure on services and ensure our older people are well cared for.
What you will pay
| BAND | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
| Council tax | £1,140.60 | £1,330.71 | £1,520.79 | £1,710.91 | £2,091.10 | £2,471.30 | £2,851.51 | £3,421.81 |
Note: If you live in a Parish Council area there is a precept. Please see the Council’s website www.blackburn.gov.uk for more information.