MEMBERS of the public have been urged to have their say on Bradford Council’s budget for next year, which includes a planned Council Tax rise and the closure of a town tip.

The Council’s controversial budget proposals for 2023/24 will see the amount paid annually by Bradford taxpayers rise by almost five per cent and the closure of the Keighley Household Waste and Recycling Site.

Council-owned offices in Bradford city centre Argus Chambers, Britannia House and the Margaret McMillan Tower, would be closed and the authority will have to delve into its reserves by £28.4 million.

The Council says rising inflation and spiralling costs of social care are among the reasons for the planned cuts and Council Tax rise.

The budget was discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Executive on Wednesday, December 14, when members voted for the proposals to go out to public consultation.

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Obviously the budget is very tight this year. Our reserves are going to be withdrawn by a substantial amount, and those reserves can only be used once. Cuts can also only be made once.

“I’ve looked to other authorities to see what else we can do, but we’ve already done a lot of what an authority can do to.”

She said 65 per cent of Council spend went to children’s and adult social care and added: “This is not an area we can cut, in fact we have more children who need support than ever.”

In his recent budget Chancellor Jeremy Hunt increased the amount Councils can increase Council Tax bills by up to 4.99 per cent.

Previously Councils were only allowed to raise Council tax by 2.99 per cent – and add a one per cent social care precept.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “The Government has made it clear they expect local authorities to increase Council Tax by five per cent. However, even with this increase ours will still be the lowest in West Yorkshire.”

Seemingly referring to why the Council is still pushing ahead with schemes including regeneration projects, Cllr Hinchliffe said: “You can’t just spend, spend, spend on alleviating poverty. You have to invest in growth so people in your area can get employment in good, well-paying jobs. As a Council we have to keep doing that as well as keeping essential services going.

“I would encourage all people to submit their views and comments for when we consider this budget in January.”

Consultation has now begun and will continue until January 25. The budget will be set at Full Council on February 23.

To have your say visit www.bradford.gov.uk/budget