THERE will be a freeze on council tax, parking charges and garden waste subscription services in Basingstoke for 2023-24.

At a meeting on Tuesday, February 7, the cabinet approved the proposals under Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Budget Update Report for the next four financial years.

The council's deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and property Cllr John Izett said the budget report shows the council’s “strong and stable financial position”.

He also said the budget decisions were taken after recognising the challenges that the rise in the cost of living is causing for residents.

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The budget proposals include a freeze for the council’s share of council tax, parking charges and garden waste subscription services in 2023-24.

It also proposes to introduce a council green team to provide in-person and remote support to residents and small businesses on how to save money/energy and make more active sustainable decisions.

Another proposal is to introduce lower carbon hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel in council vehicles.

The budget has allocated £210,000 in 2023-24 and £80,000 in 2024-25 for consultancy advice on the replacement of the Aquadrome on the leisure park.

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A public consultation was held for the budget from November 9 to January 2 to gather views on the council’s budget proposals for 2023-24.

There was a total of 55 responses to the consultation.

Cllr Izett said the updated MTFS shows a balanced budget in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

“It is a balanced budget for two years with budget gaps for remaining two years totalling £4.47m, which have to be closed in two years. I'm entirely confident we will be able to do that.”

The report further said the council has seen a 75.3 per cent reduction in the level of revenue support grant and New Homes Bonus received from the government over the past six years.

The level of this grant income will be £2.72m lower in 2023/24 compared to 2017/18. This has been partially offset by a new funding guarantee of £2.06m for 2023/24, but overall funding is £0.66m (18.3 per cent) lower than in 2017/18.

The budget will be presented before the full council on February 23.