Council tax to rise again

The government allowed up to 2.99 per cent rises on the basic amount and a further two per cent for the social care precept — meaning a maximum rise of five per cent.

Rotherham Council has chosen to increase both by two per cent, bringing in an extra £4.8 million in the coming financial year.

It means an annual increase in total council tax from £1,687.24 to £1,754.73 for Band D residents, under proposals going to cabinet on February 13.

An RMBC spokesperson said: “The overall increase in bills to households would be below the government’s maximum recommended increase for the fourth successive year.

“For most Rotherham households, the increase amounts to 86 pence per week.

“Without this increase, the scale of budget reductions faced by the council would be in excess of £10 million.”

The council tax support top-up scheme will be extended to more than 14,000 low-income, working-age households, RMBC says.