Council Tax frozen for a second year.

Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Cllr Steve Riley said:

We remain in a challenging financial environment, with ongoing inflationary pressures and increased demand on our services – in particular we are continuing to see the need for additional support for families at risk of becoming homeless. Government has provided local authorities with the first multi-year settlement in a decade. However, the new ‘Fair’ Funding Assessment that has been introduced has shifted funding away from areas such as Broadland towards areas of higher deprivation. This means Broadland will have Core Spending Power of £16.8m in 2026/27, and this will then reduce by half a million pounds to £16.3m in each of the following two years. However, through diligent efforts to find efficiencies and generate income, Broadland District Council has not only protected essential services but is also strategically investing in key priorities.

Cllr Riley highlighted a string of achievements that underscore the council’s commitment. He said:

We have purchased a further 17 new units in 13 properties, for use as temporary accommodation, with a further four properties to be purchased by the end of March. “We have worked closely with NEC, Natural England and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to sign our biggest every Nutrient Mitigation Fund Nutrient Credits Funding Agreement relating to land at Bawdeswell and Wood Norton, with a total value of up to £8.6million “We have successful completed the £4.3 million pound redevelopment of the Frettenham Depot, without any disruption to the collection of the 7.5 million bins that we empty each year.

We have continued to invest in Broadland Country Park, improving access and facilities, working with conservation partners, and starting to build a new visitor centre.

We continued to fund the Community Grant Scheme with just over £60,000 invested in eight projects, plus further support for our communities via our ward member grant scheme funded by £1000 per ward member.

We have adopted a new Biodiversity Strategy and Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Delivery Plan, embedding nature recovery and climate action into council decision making. “ And, we have invested £77,500 of UKSPF capital to upgrade five council owned play areas across Broadland.

While the Council is responsible for collecting council tax on behalf of other bodies such as Norfolk County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, it has no control over their charges. It's worth noting that the Council’s element constitutes less than 6% of the total council tax bill.

Leader of Broadland District Council, Sue Holland said:

The decision to freeze our portion of the council tax underscores Broadland District Council's commitment to providing excellent value for its residents.

At just £134.91 for the year, or £2.60 per week, Broadland's council tax charge highlights the council's efficient management and dedication to serving its community effectively without placing an additional financial burden on our residents.