Surrey council votes in 2.9% council tax increase
LDRSA council in Surrey has narrowly voted in a 2.9% council tax rise for its residents.
Spelthorne Borough Council has approved a balanced annual budget, including using £5m from its reserves.
The increase will add £6.45 a year on the Band D average council tax.
The extra £270,000 of extra generated income is not enough to cover the cost of National Insurance contributions, a council spokesperson said.
A total of 16 members voted in favour of the budget, with five against, and nine abstaining.
Spelthorne's National Insurance contribution costs will rise by £476,000 with £197,400 given out as compensation from the government, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Many council members expressed concerns, but officers reassured the council it still had "significant" funds and it was "not anticipated" Spelthorne would need to rely on them next year.
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