North Tyneside residents have just over a week to let the local authority how they feel about a prospective rise in council tax of almost 5%.
The local authority is facing a funding gap of around £23m and proposes rising council tax and the adult social care precept to help plug the financial black hole. The council has opened an online survey available on its website until January 22.
The council is asking residents their views on a potential council tax rise of 4.99%. This is in line with central Government proposals in last year's Autumn Statement.
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According to the local authority, this could reduce the funding hole to £3.8m. However, band A properties would be made to hand over an additional £58.65 a year with band D homes paying an extra £87.98 a year.
However, the council's online questionnaire also asks residents their views on a council tax hike of 2.99%, compromising a 1.99% rise in council tax and a 1% rise in the adult social care precept. This proposal could see a household in council tax band A paying an extra £35.14 a year and band D properties could fork out an extra £52.72 a year.
According to the council, a 2.99% rise could reduce the authority's funding gap to £6m.
Despite these potential rises, the authority stated council tax support would continue. The authority has also claimed there will be no "substantial impact" on front-line services and will continue to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis.
North Tyneside Mayor, Norma Redfearn, said: “This budget proposal does not shy away from the fact we have some tough times ahead, however, it makes clear that we will continue to do everything we can to support everyone in our borough that needs help. Our North Tyneside Plan has shaped every part of this budget and the proposals are underpinned by our desire to build a better North Tyneside, looking towards a brighter future, listening to and working even better for our residents.
“Our commitment to support our residents is unwavering and whilst the Government’s proposed funding does not cover the gaps that have been created in our finances over the last 10 years, we will prioritise protecting the most vulnerable families in North Tyneside whilst continuing to invest in the borough. The cost of living crisis is impacting us all and whilst we know there is not a simple solution to providing support, we will do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable residents and to signpost everyone to the help they are entitled to.
“When allocating our funding the Government expects us to increase our council tax and apply the suggested adult social care precept, this has once again put the financial burden, created by a lack of funding, back onto already struggling families. I would urge anyone who needs help to come to us so we can provide them with support.
“We will do everything we can to see that no family is left behind in our borough, despite the pressures we are all facing.”
Tory Preston councillor Liam Bones said: "The budget consultation gives residents a chance to have their say on how the council spends money and which issues it prioritises. With the Labour group eyeing up a council tax rise of almost 5%, while residents deal with rising costs across the board, it has never been more important that everyone has their say.
"It is also important that the council spends money on residents' priorities rather than vanity projects like we have seen over the past year. I am hopeful that this consultation will give a clear indication of what people want us to spend their taxes on."
If residents have questions about the survey, the local authority encourages people to contact engagement@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 2828.
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