Huntingdonshire District Council’s (HDC) 2025/2026 budget was presented at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 26 February and approved for the forthcoming financial year.
To enable the council to carry on providing vital statutory services, Huntingdonshire Band D Council Tax is set to go up by £5 a year to £165.86 from the new financial year starting on April 1 2025. The rise, which amounts to less than 10p a week, or 3.11%, means that the average household will pay around £3 a week for all the services provided by Huntingdonshire District Council.
Councillor Brett Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, said: “At Huntingdonshire District Council we’re proud of being financially responsible and taking the long view when we make decisions about our future growth.
“We have set a budget which is balanced, does not spend reserves and, importantly, protects frontline services. All this at a time of decreasing government funding, rising costs, and greater pressure on our services.
“By building solid financial foundations, we can plan and enhance the council in line with the things that matter most to people. This budget takes us another step closer to our goal for a future focused on outcomes which are enabled by sound finances."
Over the coming year, the council will continue to deliver on its priorities for the district which are around improving the quality of life for local people, looking after the most vulnerable, creating a better Huntingdonshire for future generations and delivering good quality, high value-for-money services.
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents, the council approved a new Community Health and Wealth Building (CHWB) Strategy at a Full Council meeting in December 2024, alongside the creation of a £750,000 Delivery Fund to support its implementation over the next three years.
The strategy, which was approved at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 11 December, was developed on the back of conversations with residents about what a good life means to people in Huntingdonshire. It sets out how the council will work with partners and the community to support financial security, good health and social connection - three cornerstones of a good quality of life.
While the initial funding comes from the council, the fund is designed to welcome contributions from partners to increase its capacity to benefit residents across the district.
Councillor Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, added: “At a time when councils across the country are grappling with financial pressures, I am proud that Huntingdonshire District Council remains focused on long-term financial sustainability.
“This financial stability has enabled us to invest in the Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy. This people-centred initiative aligns our resources with what matters most to residents as research consistently shows that factors like good employment, strong social ties, and physical activity are essential to quality of life. Through collaboration with our community and partners, we aim to create a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all of Huntingdonshire.”