Council tax rise is essential to keep providing vital services

Over the past ten years, this council has experienced significant cuts of 61 per cent in the funding it receives from the Government.

Unfortunately, it is no longer in a position to freeze council tax and so for the first time in a decade it is proposing an increase by 2.7 per cent, in line with inflation.

The £147,000 this would bring in would ensure the continued provision of vital services, from emptying bins, to maintaining parks, keeping streets clean and supporting the most vulnerable residents.

The rest of the council tax goes to other public sector services across the county including the police, fire service and Nottinghamshire County Council.

If there is no increase, the risk is the Government may consider the council doesn’t need this money, which would affect future funding.

The vast majority of the area’s homes are in band A which is the lowest council tax band.

Under the proposed increase, residents in these homes would pay just £3.33 more in the coming year.

Also on the agenda will be a report requesting further consultation on potential gypsy and traveller sites.

This follows confirmation that the Priory Road allotment site is no longer under consideration as a potentially suitable site.

Demand for the allotments has increased considerably over the past few months and there is now a waiting list of more than 30.

This means the part of the site, which was previously deemed surplus to requirements, is no longer suitable.

To receive notification of when the consultation period begins, please register at www.mansfield.objective.co.uk/portal.

Finally, residents will soon receive a letter with information about the new kerbside glass recycling collections, which are due to start in May.

This is the first major project under the council’s new green agenda, which will be a key consideration in everything it does, from building new homes, to its procurement policy that will better support local businesses and increase training opportunities.