Why it matters: The unwelcome tax hike will further eat into the disposable incomes of Ipswich families already contending with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The big picture: The council's net budget is set to rise by 6.7%, from £752.9 million to £803.7 million, with significant increases allocated to adult care (an extra £35.2 million) and an extra £18.1 million for children's services.
This follows the government's decision not to award Suffolk any funding from the new £600 million Recovery Grant despite what the council describes as "significant deprivation levels" in the county.
By the numbers: Council tax will increase by 4.99%, with 2.99% allocated to general council tax plus an extra 2% for adult care.
Council tax for Band B properties (the most common in Suffolk) will increase to £24.67 per week, costing households an additional £61 per year.
Band D properties will increase to £31.72 per week, costing households an additional £79 per year.
What's next: The budget proposals will be discussed at a Scrutiny Meeting on Tuesday, 14 January, before being debated and voted on at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, 13 February. Residents can watch the budget scrutiny meeting live on the council's YouTube channel, with relevant papers available on the council's committee minutes website.
The bottom line: While the council says the tax rise is necessary to protect vital services, Ipswich households will be paying their highest-ever council tax rates, adding further pressure to household budgets during challenging economic times.
