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Kent County Council prepares to set council tax and asks if people would pay more for less as Covid crisis creates 'biggest financial challenge'

By: Nicola Everett neverett@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 08:00, 14 October 2020

Updated: 18:09, 14 October 2020

We are being asked if we would be prepared to pay more council tax as finance bosses look to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kent County Council is planning for next year's budget as it faces what it says will be its 'toughest financial challenge' for many years.

County councillor Peter Oakford (Con), cabinet member for finance. Picture: KCC

The authority has been forced to spend more than anticipated in recent months as Covid-19 took hold. Now, there's a warning of tough decisions to make ends meet as the council is legally required to balance its spending with what it receives from council tax, business rates, government grants and other income.

Cllr Peter Oakford (Con), KCC’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “Since 2010, we have made savings in excess of £710million as we responded to cuts in government funding coupled with an increased demand for some of our services.

“But this is the biggest financial challenge we have faced in that time. The future is uncertain and even though we will not know how much funding we will receive from the government, we have to make plans now to balance next year’s budget.

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“We have to consider making some difficult decisions about where to reduce our spending. We are asking residents for their opinions so we can take those into account in drafting our next budget.

“We are therefore asking residents to let us know their views on two key areas – which of our numerous services they think should be most protected and whether they support an increase in council tax to help fund them.”

Kent County Council wants your views on what the level of council tax should be

What does this mean for you?

If council tax was to be increased by just under 2%, which is the limit traditionally set by government, the annual bill for an average band C property would rise by £24. That would take the total yearly payment to £1,225.12. This does not include the money paid to the police, district, borough, town and parish councils or the fire service.

At the moment, the council is also able to ask for additional funds to support adult social care costs. If that were to continue, another 2% rise in 2021/2022 would generate a further £14.4 million pounds and take annual payments for a household in band C to £1,249.12

The county council still does not know how much money it will be getting from central government next year and the full financial impact of the pandemic is not clear.

However, it is feared the recession will affect the level of income the authority receives from council tax and business rates.

Plans to make cuts to services have proved unpopular in the past, such as the threat to children's centres in 2013/14 which resulted in this protest outside County Hall. Picture: Martin Apps

What does the money that goes to KCC pay for?

Read more!

What happens next?

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A consultation to find out what we think will run until November 24 - click here to take part.

Responses from the consultation will be discussed by council members at a cabinet meeting in January next year.

The budget will be debated and approved at a meeting of the full council the following month.

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