Budget and Council Tax approved for 2025-26

Blaby District Council agreed its budget and Council Tax levels for 2025-26 at its February Full Council meeting. 

Councillors were told finances remained challenging, with the authority receiving a one-year settlement from Government. Core funding received had reduced by £200k compared with 2024-25.

The lack of certainty over Government grants and expected reforms to other major funding streams continue to make forward planning difficult. However, the Council is required to produce a balanced budget each year and has contributed £375k from reserves to close the funding gap.

Following a debate on Council Tax, a rise of £5.65 a year for the average Band D property (just under 11p a week) was approved.

While the Blaby District Council portion of the average 2025-26 Band D Council Tax bill is £194.79 a year, with the £5.65 a year increase, this will not be the total bill for residents.

The total bill for a Band D amounts to £2,406.77 with £1,681.50 going to Leicestershire County Council, £300.23 allocated to the Police, £86.65 to the Fire Service and an average of £143.60 being taken by Parish Councils. Bands A to C will pay less, while Bands E to H will pay more.

Councillor Maggie Wright, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "We recognise for the majority of our residents Council Tax is one of the biggest bills they will face this year. We also acknowledge the current economic situation is creating significant additional pressures for our residents, which makes the decision to increase Council Tax as difficult as ever.

"However, if we are to continue to provide essential services and protect our most vulnerable residents, we have little choice but to recommend an increase. Our increase of £5.65 a year for a Band D property, I feel represents great value for the services we provide."

The meeting also noted spending on capital projects which include introducing electric vehicle charging points and solar panels at Enderby Leisure Centre.

The move, in particular the solar panel installation which will save energy and cut costs, reinforces the Council’s commitment to being carbon neutral in its operations by 2030.

* To find out what your Band will pay by Parish visit: Council Tax Bands

Councillor Maggie Wright
Portfolio Holder for Finance