I now have comments from both unitaries on the proposed local government settlement. They make the good point that the government assumes a 2% increase in Council Tax and a further 2% for care costs, when Councils wish to help keep down the cost of living by avoiding tax rises. The government also proposes a substantial reduction in rate support grant whilst not allowing our Councils to keep sufficient of the large business rates revenues collected in our area.
I am taking these matters up with Ministers, as I wish to see a fair settlement with Wokingham and West Berkshire keeping enough of their business rate revenue to avoid Council tax rises and to provide a decent level of service.