Council sets out a 4.99% tax rise to 'fill a gap'

SURREY residents can expect to pay 4.99 per cent more council tax next year under plans in the new budget.

- By EMILY DALTON

Surrey County Council has revealed it is losing a huge chunk of government funding and has 'no choice' but to fill the gap locally.

Councillors are being asked to approve a 2.99 per cent council tax rise plus a 2 per cent adult social care levy from April 2026, the maximum allowed. For a typical Band D household, that means paying £7.67 more per month.

The increase comes after the Government announced a new three-year funding deal covering 2026-2029. While ministers say councils will get more money overall, most of the so-called "increase" relies on councils raising tax locally, not extra cash from Westminster.

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "This is one of the most challenging financial periods we've faced.