Government blamed for Council Tax increase

Ashfield councillors are blaming Government funding reforms for having to increase Council Tax bills for residents.

The government has cut funding to Ashfield District Council by more than £1million this year alone, on top of years of funding cuts.

At an extraordinary full council meeting this week, councillors agreed to increase Council Tax by 2.93 per cent – the lowest rise across Nottinghamshire.

The rise is equivalent to 7p a week for households in Band A – which make up more than 50 per cent of homes across Ashfield – and means a Band D household will pay £213.20 a year.

On top of this, residents also have to pay for Nottinghamshire County Council services, police and fire.

Ashfield District Council’s portion of the Council Tax covers services including parks and green spaces, bin collection, new houses, improved town centres and leisure facilities.

District councillors said the Government funding reforms were another hit on top of continuing rises in energy, fuel and contract costs.

Cllr Rachel Madden, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said:

“When setting our Council Tax we will always put our residents first. This increase of 2.93% is the lowest of any Nottinghamshire authority. 

“This is about strong leadership and rolling up our sleeves and delivering what is best for our residents. We want to reduce pressures on families, not add to it. Our residents can see we are on their side.

“Callous Government cuts have penalised the financially responsible councils like Ashfield and rewarded those that failed.

“Our residents deserve the best and we have a record as a Council of delivering on our promises.”

Council Leader Cllr Jason Zadrozny said:

“We have consistently frozen our Council Tax as we always have our residents in mind. When it has risen it has been below the maximum allowed.

“This rise will be seven pence a week for 50% of houses in Ashfield and will allow us to continue with the high standard of services we deliver.”

The Council says it wants to be as supportive as possible to people and to help the most financially vulnerable residents. It plans to extend its Council Tax Support Scheme up to the maximum level for those eligible.

Posted on 03 March 2026