Frequently asked questions

Why don’t councils make financial plans, so they can avoid council tax increases?

We receive more than half of our funding from central government, the rest coming from council tax. The government only provides grant notifications for one year, so we don’t know what grant we will get until a couple of weeks before the budget and council tax have to be set.

What happens to the rates that businesses pay?

We collect rates paid by businesses, and then pay that money over to central government. The government distributes the money collected to councils across the country based on a formula. There is no link between the business rates collected and the redistribution to councils.

Does my council tax all go on South Norfolk Council services?

We collect and pay over council tax to the County Council, Police Authority, and Parish Councils. Less than 10% of your council tax bill is actually used to fund South Norfolk Council services. Further details can be found in the council tax leaflet which accompanies your bill.

Why doesn’t the council spend the money it raised when it sold its housing stock?

We were left with a range of costs which cannot easily be reduced. For example, we will continue to run a reception desk, and employ a range of statutory officers, whether the council has a housing stock or not. The receipt from the sale of the housing stock is being invested to earn interest, and restrain future increases in council tax.

How do I know that the council gets value for money?

We undertake a range of reviews to ensure all services are providing value for money. Some services are tested against alternative providers, some are provided by private companies acting as partners, some are provided in partnership with other councils.

How is the final Council Tax level decided?

We maintain a three year plan of commitments and savings, supporting the corporate plan. Each year senior managers review and produce their own service plans, looking three years ahead. These are used to build up changes to the subsequent years budget. Finally, a proposed budget is considered by Cabinet at a special meeting in February each year, and its recommendations on the budget are discussed and the council tax level set by a full Council meeting in late February each year.

How much consultation is there in setting the budget?

We currently consult with other agencies, local businesses, Youth and Older People’s groups and directly with the public on an annual basis.