Bedford Borough Council has published a proposed council tax rise of nearly £49 for Band D households, but others will have to wait to be given a figure.
Next week, the council’s Executive (January 25) will consider increasing council tax by 2.9 percent.
This change is made up of a core increase of 0.9 per cent and a two per cent Adult Social Care precept.
The proposed increase excludes any precepts from town/parish councils, the police and fire service.
This, the council said, would give a Band D council tax bill of £1,737.92, an increase of £48.98.
In line with other authorities, the borough council only referred to the Band D figure when it announced it’s proposed increase for 2023/24.
It has not published the proposed increases for all the council tax bands.
When asked why, a Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Band D council tax is the standard measure of council tax, with all other bands set as a proportion of the Band D.
“The Band D measure better reflects the latest position and has historically been used as the standard for comparing council tax levels between and across local authorities.
“Bedford Borough Council’s Executive are due to consider the budget, including the total council tax required, on 25 January.
“Once the budget has been agreed by Full Council, the eight council tax bands, A to H will be part of a separate report to the 28 February council meeting, that will also include the Parish, Police and Fire Service rates as well.
“Residents will then be written to, updating them of the rates for 2023/24 including the percentage increase.”
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
