Have your say on proposed 1.9 per cent tax rise and other budget plans

The authority has launched a consultation on its proposed budget for the coming financial year.

The plans were discussed at the council’s Executive Budget Meeting on Tuesday and include an increase of 1.9 per cent in its portion of council tax bills.

A spokesman for the authority said: “We could decide to freeze council tax or increase it by a lesser amount but this would mean reducing our planned level of service to make the necessary savings.

“We could increase council tax by more than 1.9 per cent but this would mean holding a referendum at an estimated cost of £800,000 and placing an increased burden on the council tax payer during what are still difficult times.”

He added: “The preferred proposal reflects our fundamental review of our services and budgets and our judgment, subject to consultation, as to the appropriate balance of services and funding.”

The proposals can be found here.

There are a number of ways to submit your views on the plans:

- Complete the online form or email [email protected]

- Write (no stamp required) to: Lincolnshire County Council, Resources & Community Safety Directorate, Treasury & Financial Strategy, FREEPOST RSTY-UXJB-ARHK, Newland, LINCOLN, LN1 1YL

- Call the budget consultation answerphone at 01522 553648

Comments should be made no later than midnight on Sunday, February 1.

The executive board meets again on February 3. That is when it will recommend final proposals for approval by the full council on February 20.

Responses received by the deadline will be considered and reported to the executive.