Councillors to discuss proposed Council Tax setting and potential investment plans next month
Councillors will meet on 5 March to decide Falkirk Council’s budget for the year ahead, including a proposed rise in Council Tax. The proposal would help fund local services and improvements that residents have asked to see.
Currently the Council is suggesting a 9.5% increase. For a Band D household, this would mean paying about £2.88 more per week however the final decision will be taken by councillors at the meeting.
The Council is required by law to set a balanced budget each year. Costs are rising in several areas, including social care, housing support and staffing. Many schools, roads and public buildings also need ongoing repairs or upgrades, which adds further pressure.
If agreed, the increase would help fund day-to-day services and provide extra money for longer-term investment. This could include social care, family support and a new, clean and green action team. The team would be deployed across communities to tackle litter, fly-tipping and overgrown areas. It would work alongside existing street cleansing and grounds maintenance services, target hotspots and respond to concerns about the appearance of streets, parks and public spaces.
The proposal would also allow up to £25 million of additional investment in local infrastructure. This could be used for road resurfacing, street lighting upgrades, school improvements and essential repairs to council buildings.
It could also support projects such as the Carrongrange Additional Support Needs School and a new town centre gym in Denny, which would be considered as part of the capital budget later in March.
Councillors will also be asked to agree how almost £50 million of service concession funding could be used for major capital projects.
If approved, the funding could support projects including the new Falkirk Town Hall, future school modernisation, improvements at Grangemouth Stadium and a contingency fund for major building works. Some of the money would be committed immediately, with the rest set aside in principle for projects that councillors will consider in the coming years.
The budget also proposes investment in community defibrillators, school minibuses and early years digital equipment.
Around 13,750 households currently receive Council Tax Reduction and would not see their bills increase if councillors agree a rise.
Amanda Templeman, Chief Finance Officer said:
We have to set a balanced budget each year, but the choices behind that are about the services people rely on and the condition of our buildings, roads and public spaces.
“The proposed increase would help protect day-to-day services, including social care and support for families, while also allowing investment in infrastructure that affects people’s daily lives. That includes roads, lighting, schools and other council buildings that need regular maintenance and, in some cases, major upgrades.
“The service concession funding gives us an opportunity to invest in larger projects, such as the new town hall and future school improvements.
“We know any Council Tax increase has an impact on household budgets. That is why support is in place through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for people on low incomes, and why councillors will weigh up the options carefully before making a final decision.
“Councillors will consider the proposals in full and make the final decision at the meeting on 5 March.