Council sets budget for delivering essential services

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set its budget for providing essential services to residents, businesses and visitors at £13.6 million for the coming year.

A council tax increase of £5.02 (2.99%) has been agreed setting Band D payments at £173.04 for 2025/26.

Councillors also agreed to continue the council tax reduction scheme which supports households on the lowest incomes.

Councillor Chris Wood, Cabinet member for Finance, said: "The Council budget funds the essential everyday services our residents and businesses rely on including waste and recycling collections, our leisure centres, parks and green spaces, and supporting our town centres and villages to thrive.

"It's always a careful balance to ensure we can afford the continued provision of high-quality services whilst being mindful to keep the costs to our tax payers as low as possible. If anyone needs help with paying their council tax, I would urge them to contact the team at the Council as support may be available.

"Over the coming year we will, as always, seek ways to maximise efficiency whilst maintaining the value for money services everyone in the Moorlands deserves."

From 1 April this year, second home owners will have to pay 100% council tax on their properties following a decision made by the Council last year. This is aimed at encouraging owners of these properties to use them as main homes for local people rather than second homes.

The District Council collects council tax on behalf of the County Council, Police and Fire Authorities and town and parish councils but only retains around 10% of the total.

There's more information about council tax on our website where people can also sign up for an online council tax account enabling them to:

• View information at any time
• Change their method of payment
• Report a change of address or ownership
• Apply for a single person discount
• Help save paper and reduce costs by signing up for electronic bills and notifications

For anyone not able to access our services online our customer advisors are available to assist either by phoning 0345 605 3010 or visiting our receptions at Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek.

Published 27 February 2025