At a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday 3 March, members agreed unanimously to freeze Core Council Tax for 2026/27, recognising the financial pressures facing many households across the borough.
They also took a decision to raise the Adult Social Care Precept by 1.98% to help the Council meet its statutory duties and continue providing essential care for the most vulnerable.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We recognise that many local households are under severe financial pressure in the face of the continuing cost of living crisis. That is why we have worked hard to produce a balanced budget for the next financial year that keeps Council Tax as low as possible whilst also protecting services.”
Measures taken to balance the budget and keep Council Tax down include:
- Innovating with new technology.
- Improving back-office efficiency.
- Improving recycling and reducing bin contamination.
- Addressing demand and cost pressures in children’s social care.
- Reviewing fees and charges.
- Ensuring that those who can contribute, do so.
As a result, Hartlepool residents will see the lowest increase in Council Tax in the North-East in 2026/27 – a rise of 53p a week for a Band A property.
Children’s social care continues to account for a significant share of the Council’s overall spending. More children now require support than in previous years, and some need specialist placements costing over £10,000 per week. As a result, spending in this area has increased by over £20 million in the last four years.
Councillor Hargreaves added: “Although recent national funding changes have led to a small increase in the level of Government financial support the Council receives, soaring demand for services and higher costs mean that substantial pressures remain. We will continue to work with Government to lobby for more financial support to cover escalating social care demand and costs.
“It’s important, though, that we continue to look forward with optimism because I thoroughly believe that Hartlepool is on the up and there is so much to be excited about. Our £160m regeneration programme - including Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, the expansion of our film and TV studios and new Screen Industries Production Village and the regeneration of the town centre - is investing in our borough for the future. We are protecting our most vulnerable residents and through our Pride in Place initiative we are fixing all the small things that matter most to people and putting the pride back into Hartlepool.”