Mid Suffolk District Council proposes to freeze council tax for upcoming financial year

A council plans to freeze its share of council tax next year to help residents with the cost-of-living crisis while continuing to invest in district improvements.

A report to Mid Suffolk District Council's cabinet on Friday, December 13, has revealed the net cost of delivering council services is projected to rise by £1.69m, reaching £15.9m in 2025/26 — an increase of about 12 per cent.

However, the council proposes no increase to its share of council tax, therefore keeping the annual Band D rate at £175.03 which works out to £3.36 a week for the council’s services.

This includes waste collection, licensing, planning, public realm as well as supporting the local economy, culture and communities.

Cllr Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We hope this is welcome news to our residents while the ongoing cost-of-living crisis causes other household bills to continue rising.

“Being in the fortunate position to freeze council tax is unusual for a local authority, but this has been made possible thanks to buoyant growth in business rates, including income from the Gateway 14 Freeport site in Stowmarket, as well as funds generated from housing development in the district.”

Less than 10 per cent of each household’s council tax bill is allocated to the district council with the majority going to Suffolk County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and town or parish councils.

Mid Suffolk’s budget report highlights a £950,000 increase in the 2025/26 revenue budget, funded by earmarked reserves, to support the implementation of the Mid Suffolk Plan.

This initiative sets out the council’s commitment to making the district thrive economically, culturally, socially and environmentally.

The draft budget for next year also proposes a £40.6m capital programme to support a range of projects including advancing the £18m Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14 — which recently received planning approval earlier this week.

If approved by cabinet on December 13, the proposed budget will go before Mid Suffolk’s full council on Thursday, February 27.

However, this is subject to further consideration at Overview and Scrutiny on December 19 and at the next cabinet meeting on February 11.

Cllr Richard Winch, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for housing and property, added: “Our general fund is in a strong position, and has already allowed us to invest in areas like community transport, enhancing Stowmarket town centre, and improving our environment.

“We have continued to listen to residents to understand what matters most to them, and we are excited about additional projects we can deliver.

“For example, work will start next year on our Skills and Innovation Centre – which will be a hub for talented local businesses, with a particular focus on the green economy, digital and AI technology.

“It will not only help to bridge the skills gap, but allow firms to grow, innovate and encourage more inward investment.”