Solihull Council Tax Debate Erupts Over Future 9.99% Rise Plans
Solihull councillors have clashed in a heated debate over potential council tax increases for borough residents in the coming years, with warnings of significant rises ahead. The debate centered on the council's financial challenges and the impact on local households.
Immediate 4.99% Increase and Future Warnings
Residents are set to face a 4.99 per cent council tax increase this year, as confirmed in recent budget discussions. However, the controversy deepened when Andy Felton, the council's director of resources, issued a stark warning about future years.
Due to ongoing funding challenges, the council may need to seek permission for exceptional financial support to increase council tax by up to 9.99 per cent in both 2027/28 and 2028/29. This revelation sparked intense debate among council members.
Council Leader's Defense and Opposition Criticism
Council leader Karen Grinsell, representing the Conservative-run authority, acknowledged the difficult financial outlook. "The council is facing an extremely challenging medium term financial outlook," she stated during the February 12 cabinet meeting.
Grinsell attributed the challenges to national funding reforms, ongoing demand pressures, and structural issues within local government finance. She specifically criticized the government's fair funding review: "To be honest I don't see it as very fair, certainly not to Solihull. We have been disadvantaged."
Opposition leaders expressed concern about the council's approach. Green Party group leader Max McLoughlin described the situation as "a 'Hail Mary' in terms of let's just sort this one year out, and pass this over to officers." Liberal Democrat group leader Ade Adeyemo questioned whether the council was distancing itself from future financial years.
Broader Financial Context and Measures
The debate occurred against a backdrop of ongoing financial strain at Solihull Council. The authority has implemented several measures to balance its budget, including:
- Non-essential spending controls
- Vetting of all recruitment decisions
- A paid resignations scheme that reduced staff numbers last year
Cabinet member Tony Dicicco expressed frustration with the government's role: "We have been penalised by various governments for doing the right thing, keep council tax low. Now we are going to have to unpick the mess the government has put us in."
Path Forward and Final Decisions
Despite the tense exchange, Grinsell emphasized the council's commitment to transparency and careful planning. "We are not trying to hide anything, it is all open and transparent," she assured colleagues.
The council leader explained their approach: "What you have in front of you is a plan to balance the budget for 2026/27 whilst acknowledging there will be issues in the following two years." She added that decisions about future council tax levels would be made closer to those budget cycles.
Following the debate, cabinet agreed to budget recommendations including this year's 4.99 per cent increase. The full council is scheduled to meet on February 26 to give final approval to the 2026/27 budget, setting the stage for further discussions about the borough's financial future.
