New Forest District Council (NFDC) have set their portion of the 2024/25 Council Tax at £199.79 per year, per household (for a Band D property) at their Full Council meeting on Monday 26 February 2024.
The £5.80 a year increase is a 2.99% rise on the 2023/24 Council Tax.
Hampshire County Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and New Forest town and parish councils have also set their amounts for the 2024/25 Council Tax bill.
The average* amount for a Band D property in the district, will be £2,193.24 for the year.
(*Town/Parish council contributions vary in different areas so the average for a Band D property will differ slightly depending on the town or parish council ward the property sits in).
The full report that set the Council Tax can be read at https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s28297/COUNCIL%20MEETING%202425.pdf
The different amounts making up the total bill, for an average Band D property are:
- Hampshire County Council £1,533.24, an increase of £72.99 (4.99%)
- New Forest District Council £199.79, an increase of £5.80 (2.99%)
- Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire £261.46, an increase of £10 (3.98%)
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service £82.84, an increase of £2.41 (3%)
- Town and Parish Council £115.91, an increase of £11.48(10.99%)
For every £1 paid in Council Tax, NFDC keeps 9p which goes towards funding a variety of local services including supporting people at risk of becoming homeless, planning permissions for new and existing properties, waste and recycling collections, caring for the coastline and public open spaces, and supporting local businesses.
District council services are also funded through Business Rates, government grants and fees and charges.
In a speech at the council meeting, Leader of the council, Cllr Jill Cleary said:
“The proposed level of Council Tax for the 24/25 financial year represents a band D charge of just £3.83 per week.
£3.83 per week for all that this council provides I believe is exceptional value. Value that is only going to get better as a result of our investment in council wide transformation, striving for better services at a lower overall cost.”
NFDC are advising people who may have difficulty paying Council Tax to contact them straight away to see what help and support is available.
Information on Council Tax, including how to pay, discounts and exemptions, and support available can be found on the council’s website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/counciltax
For further support, residents can email CouncilTax@nfdc.gov.uk or call 01590 646111.
New Forest District Council will send out Council Tax bills to residents in March.
