Solihull Council has agreed its budget for 2025/26, which includes the new council tax rate.
At the Full Council meeting last night (27 February), councillors agreed a budget of £202.588 million.
In total, council tax will increase by 4.99% (to £1,755.66 at Band D), which is an increase of £83.44 on last year (at Band D).
This comprises an increase of 2.99% in the general council tax level (to £1,485.65 at Band D) with an additional 2% increase in the adult social care precept (to £270.01 at Band D).
The Council also approved its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025/26 – 2027/28. The MTFS is Solihull Council’s key corporate strategy that allows it to deliver its priorities as outlined in the Council Plan and to manage the Council finances in a prudent and efficient manner.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:
“Whenever setting council tax, we are of course mindful of the current cost-of-living pressures and the potential impact a higher rate can have on residents. There is a fine balance to be struck between that and the need to continue to deliver the services residents need and expect, and I believe we have found that. Whilst regretting the need to make the increase, Solihull council tax will remain one of the lowest in the region and the country.
“We have had to make hard decisions to ensure that we present a balanced budget, whilst continuing our ambitious economic development plan and our commitment to holding children and young people at the heart of all we do, which includes continuing the improvement journey for children’s services.
“I am pleased that our application to government for exceptional financial support (EFS) has been successful and will contribute towards this budget. Prior to making this EFS application, an independent assurance review concluded that our finances are well managed, but that we don’t receive sufficient government funding to cover the increasing costs of adults and children’s services.
“Members and Officers remain committed to further work to address the financial gaps that exist in future years of the MTFS and making the best use of our resources to improve the lives of all Solihull residents. However, the current state of local government finances nationally is well-documented and we need the government to come up with long-term solutions.”
The final Council Tax bill residents receive will also include charges set by the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and any Parish/Town Council precepts if applicable.