Mole Valley plans tax increase to balance budget

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has proposed an increase in council tax as part of its plans to balance its budget.

The council is on track to find its target of £3.9m in savings to balance its books by 2026 following big financial pressures.

It has so far found £1.2m in 2024/25 and has "further efficiencies" planned for 2025/26 and 2026/27, said councillor Bridget Kendrick.

The cabinet portfolio holder for finance said she was "proud" of the council "for successfully navigating the financial challenges of the last few years".

Ms Kendrick said despite the difficult financial situation, the council had continued to deliver for residents.

She said it had refurbished the ceiling of Dorking Halls, moved forward with regeneration in Leatherhead, and started demolishing the Foundry development and refurbishing Pippbrook House.

But she warned the council continued to face pressures from "rising service costs, inflation, increased demand for services, and reduced central government funding over the last decade".

It has proposed a council tax increase of 2.99%, which would take a band D charge to £211.23 for 2025/26.

It has also proposed a 3% increase across all its fees and charges.

The proposals include a 1.7% increase in business rates for medium and large businesses, but a freeze for small businesses.

Ms Kendrick said the council has had a reduction in government funding in real terms under the finance settlement.

However, it has been awarded additional funding through the new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for waste and recycling and additional funding for providing services to homeless people and for the prevention of homelessness.

Ms Kendrick said she was "confident" that residents would "continue to receive the high-quality services they expect and deserve over the next 12 months".

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