COUNCIL tax is on the agenda as Eden District Council puts forward its proposed budget for the coming year.

The council’s executive, led by Liberal Democrat Virginia Taylor, agreed to recommend the proposed budget for the 2021 and 2022 financial year for adoption by Eden District Council, when it meets on Thursday.

The budget, which like all others drawn up by local authorities across Cumbria and the country, has been drawn up in the context of the significant pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Included in the budget is a proposed rise in council tax, equivalent to a rise of £5 per year for a Band D property.

The proposed rise would take the annual charge in Eden for a Band D property from £195.75 to £200.75, and from £152.25 to £156.14 for a Band B property.

Discussing the proposed budget, Ms Taylor noted that there have been four consultation responses so far from members of the public on the proposed budget, and all were opposed to the rise in council tax.

“They will be considered more fully, along with any further responses to the consultation, at full council on February 25,” she said.

Ms Taylor also noted that the council’s budget planning committee does not support the proposed council tax increase.

“We have considered this, but for many reasons, which we can debate next week, we stand by the original balanced budget which is presented here to executive, and which will be presented next week to council,” Ms Taylor said.

The 2021 and 2022 budget, according to council documents, has been prepared in the context of “significant pressure on council services, staff and finance” brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. `the report said it was “clear” these pressures would continue into the new financial year.