Multiple Councils Approve 4.99% Council Tax Increases

Several councils across the UK, including Wokingham, North Northamptonshire, and West Northamptonshire, have approved their budgets for the 2025/26 financial year, all implementing the maximum allowable council tax increase of 4.99%. Wokingham's budget includes a significant investment of £50 million in children's services and schools, alongside £208 million for various regeneration projects, while the council faces criticism from opposition members regarding service quality. North Northamptonshire plans to invest an extra £51.9 million into essential services, with rising demand for social care raising concerns about future financial sustainability. Both North and West Northamptonshire councils are grappling with increasing pressures on children's and adult services, prompting calls for re-evaluation of service delivery methods. In contrast, Wokingham's leader has defended the budget as necessary despite the tough decisions it entails. The overarching sentiment reflects a struggle for councils to balance fiscal responsibility while meeting the growing needs of their communities.