READING Borough Council has announced its latest budget proposals in the midst of “inflationary pressure.”
The council has said that it is “protecting frontline services and delivering on major investments” as it sets out its plans to absorb rising costs, where many councils are considering cuts to public services.
Budget plans include an extra £4.4 million to fund the care of the elderly and vulnerable residents in Reading, many of whom rely on essential services.
An overall increase in Council Tax of 4.99% is proposed as a combination of a flat tax increase of 2.99% and an extra 2% for adult social care.
Those living in Band A-C properties make up 70% of council taxpayers, with only 15% of households in Band D.
The council notes that when comparing average council tax per dwelling, Reading’s households paid the third lowest amount in Berkshire in 2022-23.
With the impact of the cost of living crisis hitting low-income families the most, the budget aims to maintain the subsidy for the Council Tax Support Scheme.
This year it is set to add a £75 hardship for those who are eligible.
In the budget, the council looks set to bring a brand new leisure centre to Rivermead, the first new train station in the town in 117, and the much-needed updating of Reading West Station.
All three are due to open in 2023, forming part of the council’s medium term financial strategy, which will see them through to 2026.
It also includes a number of major civil projects including a council house-building programme, the continued regeneration of the roads, new cycle lanes and routes, and improvements to public transport.
It is seeking additional investment in new playgrounds and carbon-cutting initiatives.
The budget is up for consideration at a Policy Committee meeting set for Monday, February 20, ahead of a full council debate on Tuesday, February 28.
Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “Years of prudent financial planning means we remain in a strong position to deliver major improvements for residents and to protect the frontline in the face of major challenges.
“Not least inflation – running at its highest rate for decades – and this Government’s continued failure to properly address and resource local councils for essential social care services.”
“You don’t need to look far from home to see councils having to consider painful cuts to local services, while a handful are on their knees and have agreed to 10%, or even 15%, Council Tax increases.
“In contrast,” he explained, “2023 promises to be a landmark year for Reading with major infrastructure projects coming to fruition.
“We are now looking forward, and our three-year plan shows a continued trend of investment in Reading and its residents.”
Cllr Brock cited “a flagship Central Library” and the modernisation of the Hexagon Theatre among the council’s upcoming investment projects, as well as 400 new Council homes built by 2026
There are also plans for “Custom-built adult social care facilities at Battle Street, and another £8 million on new road surfaces, new segregated cycle lanes.
“£4.4 million on energy saving measures in buildings alongside renewable energy provision, building on our proud record of having the 4th largest carbon footprint cut in the UK.”
He continued: “Just as important are the investments in our local communities, whether that’s a continuation of the refresh of playgrounds… or a major retrofitting of council homes to make them more energy efficient and cheaper to heat.”
“I believe our new budget reflects our ethos of working for a Reading that realises its full potential while ensuring everyone who lives and works in our amazing town can share in the benefits of its success.”
