COUNCIL tax will be increasing in Winchester - however the increase will be below inflation after councillors set the budget.

The decision was made during a full council meeting on Wednesday in which the authority's new financial plan was given the green light.

The council introduced the rise in tax of 2.7 per cent and three per cent for other fees and charges, meaning a Band D property will now pay £151.29 a year, a spike of £3.95.

This news follows a challenging time for local authorities – last February, the council had to reduce overall costs by £3m to balance the budget.

The Cabinet last week heard the Covid crisis was less severe than feared, but it has still taken a massive hit.

Civic chiefs say income in the 2021-22 financial year is 14 per cent down, below the 20 per cent that it had planned for.

Cllr Neil Cutler, Winchester City Council cabinet member for finance and risk, said: “The budget approved at council reflects our plans to continue to improve essential services, support our work to tackle the climate emergency and improve neighbourhoods across the district. We’ve included measures to help those most in need and, whilst we can’t avoid increases to council tax and other charges, these have been kept well below inflation."

An alternative budget was proposed by the opposition at last night’s meeting but was thrown out after the vote.

Speaking during the assembly, Michael Kurn, Conservative councillor for Bishop's Waltham Ward, was not happy about the way the budget was discussed.

He criticised the “sarcastic” way some deliberations were delivered.

READ MORE: Winchester brother, 80, left "devastated" after being targeted in catalytic converter theft

He said: “Differing views may not align with your own, but they are representative of members of the diverse community we serve.

“Democracy is about finding common ground, for us to be the difference and make a difference, I was always taught to be considerate and respect people with a differing of opinion.

“We are a snapshot of our communities and if we can’t set an example to try to find common ground on this budget how can we expect our communities to have faith in our decisions.”

SEE MORE: Huge 6ft colourful hares will raise cash for charity with interactive public art trail Hares of Hampshire in Southampton and Winchester

Residents will face a total increase of £64.72 to their yearly council tax bill for Band D properties from Hampshire County Council, which includes the addition funds earmarked for Winchester City Council. 

An additional £10 will be allocated to the Police and Crime Commissioner, and £5 to the Fire and Rescue Service.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.