Bassetlaw District Council has approved its budget for the 2025/26 financial year, confirming a total spend of £51 million to fund vital local services. The decision, made at a Full Council meeting on 27th February, also includes a 2.99% increase in the council’s share of Council Tax from 1st April 2025.
Despite ongoing financial pressures, the council has managed to set a balanced budget, ensuring continued funding for key services such as waste and recycling collection, planning, environmental health and enforcement, parks, cemeteries, economic development, and community safety. Additional investment has been allocated to town centre improvements, rural community projects, and support for local businesses. Funding has also been earmarked for third-sector organisations, including Citizens Advice, Bassetlaw Action Centre, and BCVS.
Council Tax Increase
To help fund public services and secure financial stability, Bassetlaw District Council’s share of the Council Tax bill will rise by 2.99%. For Band D properties, this equates to an increase of £5.98 per year, or approximately 12p per week. Around half of Bassetlaw households are in Band A, meaning their annual increase will be around £3.99—approximately 8p per week.
Cllr Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Financial Services, acknowledged the financial burden on residents but stressed the necessity of the increase:
“We know this is yet another financial ask of residents, but it’s one we have to make. The council has a statutory responsibility to set a balanced budget, and it is a challenge and dilemma that councils around the country are facing.
“We continue to provide good services within budget while working towards bold ambitions for Bassetlaw. We have done this by staying focused on protecting front-line services, working proactively with partners to provide better and more cost-effective solutions, and finding sustainable savings.”
Efficiency Savings and Budget Adjustments
In line with the council’s budget plans, more than 80% of its savings will come from transforming services, improving efficiency, and cutting back on running costs. Measures include reducing agency spending, enhancing recruitment and staff retention efforts, and cutting back-office expenses while maintaining frontline services.
The council’s share of Council Tax revenue, which accounts for just 8.11% of the total bill, is allocated to essential local services such as bin collections, recycling, housing, planning, and licensing.
Impact of Other Council Tax Increases
In addition to Bassetlaw District Council’s 2.99% increase, other major authorities have also raised their Council Tax share, meaning Band D households in Bassetlaw will see an overall increase of 4.78% in their annual bill.
Breakdown of the increases:
• Nottinghamshire County Council – 4.84% (including a 2% social care precept)
• Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner – 4.94%
• Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority – 5.42%
• Parish Councils and Charter Trustees – average increase of 8%
How Council Tax is Distributed
Council Tax contributions in Bassetlaw are divided among several authorities, with the largest portion going to Nottinghamshire County Council. The breakdown is as follows:
• Nottinghamshire County Council – 74.60% (including Adult Social Care)
• Nottinghamshire Police – 11.66%
• Bassetlaw District Council – 8.11%
• Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service – 3.83%
• Parish Councils – 1.80%
Despite financial challenges, the council remains committed to maintaining frontline services and supporting local communities, businesses, and infrastructure development.
