The authority’s Cabinet will discuss the plans at its meeting on 11 February, where it will set out the figures.
Rushcliffe residents will see a 2.46% rise in their Council Tax this April following the approval of the Borough’s 2025/26 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) by Cabinet.
At a meeting on 11 February 2025, Rushcliffe Borough Council will outline its financial strategy for the next five years, responding to economic pressures and government funding changes.
The budget includes a £3.89 council tax increase for Band D properties, bringing the annual charge to £161.77.
Special Expenses Adjustments
Residents in certain areas will also see changes to Special Expenses—additional costs for services that are not uniformly provided across the Borough. The updated figures for Band D properties are as follows:
- West Bridgford: £63.93 (up from £59.44 in 2024/25)
- Keyworth: £3.27 (down from £4.69)
- Ruddington: £3.23 (down from £3.29)
The increase in West Bridgford’s rate is driven by rising service costs, while Keyworth’s decrease is due to the rescheduling of cemetery works to 2026/27. Ruddington’s rate drops slightly as the local tax base grows.
The council says it continues to navigate financial uncertainty due to inflation, Business Rates volatility, and local government reforms.
Key factors influencing the budget include:
- Business Rates reset delayed to 2026/27: Retained Business Rates income is set at £6.676m for 2025/26, but is expected to drop to £3.578m when the reset occurs.
- End of Revenue Support Grant: The Council has received zero direct government support since 2019/20, a significant reduction from £3.25m in 2013/14.
- Final New Homes Bonus payment: £1.478m will be received in 2025/26, but this scheme ends from 2026/27, removing a key revenue stream.
Impact on Residents: Fees and Charges
The budget includes several fee increases to manage rising costs:
- Garden Waste Collection: An additional £5 charge per year for second and subsequent bins in 2025/26 and 2026/27.
- Car Parking Fees: Longer-stay parking charges in West Bridgford will increase to align with the Off-Street Car Parking Strategy.
- Home Alarm Services: No increase, as the council seeks to protect vulnerable residents from rising costs.
Investment and Infrastructure
Rushcliffe has committed to a £27.1m Capital Programme over the next five years, focusing on maintaining and enhancing existing assets. Key projects include:
- West Bridgford Town Centre Regeneration
- Improvements to leisure and community facilities
- Investment in play areas and parks
- Continued support for the Freeport and Combined Mayoral Authority initiatives
A significant challenge ahead is the implementation of Simpler Recycling rules, requiring new waste collection vehicles and additional crews. This is expected to create a £0.318m annual budget pressure by 2029/30, though an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Grant will replace lost recycling credits.
The Council’s earmarked reserves (excluding the New Homes Bonus reserve) will decrease from £11.3m to £8.4m over the MTFS period. Reserves remain essential to counteract financial risks, particularly with local government reorganisation (LGR) on the horizon from 2027/28.
Despite budget challenges, Rushcliffe remains committed to its Transformation and Efficiency Plan, which has already delivered £5.8m in savings. A further £0.824m in efficiencies is required in 2025/26, increasing to £0.86m by 2029/30.
