BUCKS residents could face a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent in April under draft budget plans by the council.

Cabinet have provisionally agreed the 2023/24 budget today (January 5) and said it's 'drawn up against a backdrop of global economic turbulence and uncertainty'.

It means the council is proposing a 2.99 per cent rise in the base rate of council tax.

Leader Cllr Martin Tett said he doesnt want to increase council tax, but has to due to the "incredibly challenging climate." 

He said: "The stark reality is that we simply cannot balance next year’s budget without doing so. Last year’s Council Tax increase was well below inflation and now, with inflation running at more than 10%, even with substantial savings, this is the only way we can pay for the services we provide whilst shielding residents from the bulk of the cost increases.”

“We have seen a rise in the number of councils issuing what are known as ‘Section 114 notices’ – where they are simply unable to set a balanced budget. We are not in that situation here in Buckinghamshire and I’m pleased that we can still set aside spend on the areas our residents have told us matter most to them such as roads, drains and helping the most disadvantaged within the 23/24 plans.”

The council are also planning to increase bills by 2 per cent by taking up the Government’s proposal for a Social Care Precept.

This equates to an increase of £1.61 per week for a Band D property.