Council leader says setting the budget 'will be the start of building a better borough'

Cllr Steve Siddons was speaking as councillors get set to vote on the budget for the next financial year and on a proposed freeze in council tax rates.

Cllr Siddons said that the cabinet had decided it could not hit residents in the pocket after they had dealt with the pandemic.

He said: “We recognise the difficulties and hardships residents have had to deal with over the last 12 months and have decided that increasing the borough council tax for the coming year is a step too far. We have also decided to hold our fees and charges, such as car parking, at 2020/21 rates.

“Subject to councillors agreeing the budget proposals on Friday, we will also start a programme of improvements to Build a Better Borough. Residents will see a major refurbishment of many of our public toilets, a programme of maintenance to benches, railings, signage and other public realm assets.

“At the same time, we will also begin a campaign to tackle the few inconsiderate dog owners who allow their pets to foul our pavements together with upgraded street cleaning and rubbish removal and recycling.

“We know that ‘Getting the Basics’ right is a high priority for our residents and as we come out of lock-down, we want everyone to be able to enjoy our beautiful coastline looking its best.”

Scarborough’s share of the council tax makes up approximately 13% of a rate payers bill meaning that a resident in a Band D property in the borough would once again pay £239.75 for the year.

North Yorkshire County Council, which makes up around 63% of the total council tax bill for residents, is to increase its share of the precept by 3.49%, including a 1.5% social care precept rise, equivalent to an extra £47.58 a year for an average household, to fund pandemic support and recovery and other priority areas.

The county’s police service is set to raise its share of the tax by £5.29 a year for a Band D property.

In total, a Band D property in Scarborough paid £1,941.68 in 2020/21.

Scarborough councillors will vote on the 2021/22 budget on Friday afternoon.