'Investing where it matters most': East Lindsey District Council proposes 2.99% council tax increase
A council is planning to increase its share of council tax by 2.99% for the next financial year.
Members of East Lindsey District Council’s executive board heard that the authority is proposing to put up its council tax precept by almost 3% – the maximum allowed without holding a referendum.
District councils are permitted to raise council tax by up to 3% or £5 – whichever is higher.
Under the plans, council tax for band D properties is set to go up by £5.13 (2.99%) bringing it to a total of £176.67 for the 2026/27 financial year.
The Internal Drainage Board (IDB) levy has also been proposed to increase by £59,133 – rising from £5.4 million in 2025/26 to £5.5 million in 2026/27.
At a meeting on Thursday, February 19, councillors were told that the council tax increase was needed to address the additional financial pressures that the district council is facing.
Members heard that the new kitchen caddies – a mandatory government initiative which will require all local authorities to carry out the weekly food waste collections – was implemented without any additional government funding.
The portfolio holder for finance, Coun Thomas Kemp (Conservative – Woodhall Spa), said: “The budget responds to one of the most complex settlements that local government has faced.
“It also reflects East Lindsey District Council’s ability for strong planning, having strategic foresight and commitment to local services.
“We are investing where it matters most, holding firm on financial discipline and positioning the council for a stable future.”
The portfolio holder for the coastal economy, Coun Steve Kirk (Conservative – Skegness Scarbrough and Seacroft) was pleased that the authority is still planning to allocate £10 million towards the second phase of the East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF).
The ELIF is money which has been provided by the district council and has been allocated towards developing and promoting tourism, community events and supporting local businesses across the area.
He added: “This has been a long-term programme which has got us to the place where we are now and we were able to have an ‘ELIF Two’ and move £10 million into that.
“There are councils around the country who would give an arm to be in that sort of position, so I think credit must go to the team who have done a fantastic job over a number of years.”
A final decision will be made at a full council meeting on Wednesday, March 4.