THE latest budget proposals have been approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council despite them coming under fire by senior oppositional councillors.

At a council meeting held on Monday, February 28 councillors approved the plan put before them, with 30 votes to 19.

The new budget will see a council tax rise of £5 for residents living in a Band D property, more than £1m invested in frontline services including additional staff for grounds maintenance and customer reception.

SEE MORE: Latest budget proposals backed as tax bills could be increased by £5 a year

The council had plans to withdraw its funding for festivals like the Basingstoke Kite Festival and the Transport Festival and reduce the grants to community and voluntary organisations by £130,000 but this has been postponed but is likely to come into effect in 2023-24.

The leader of the council, Cllr Simon Bound introduced the budget and said it delivers “what our residents truly need”.

He said: “I think it is only right not to underestimate the growing cost of living and the need to protect our environment. This budget has a key focus on financial stability and allows us to plan for the future.

“I agree with our residents when they say we have had enough of this build build build mentality those who ignore our residents do so at our peril. It is now time to be considerate about what gets built."

Cllr Andy McCormick (Labour) welcomed proceeding with caution when it comes to building homes but could not support the budget that see's "cuts against the rising cost of living".

The leader of the Independent Group Cllr Paul Harvey, who has previously called for the council to do more to help residents deal with soaring energy prices said the “tanker is heading in the wrong direction”.

READ MORE: New Basingstoke council leader elected to take over top role

Cllr Gavin James (Liberal Democrat) shared similar views and said the budget is full of “dodgy claims”.

He added: “The nearest we have got to strategy is the town centre, but the one from 2021 is the one from 2014 and they have used different crayons to draw the same photos.

“This year we are going to get more things in, so we have more things to cut next year. The budget is a big disappointment, most councils have run out of money, but I think we have run out of ideas.

“This budget is much like the Downing Street reset bottom, it is out of hand."

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.