The council has published its draft budget plans for 2026/27, which include a proposed 2.99 per cent increase in council tax - equivalent to £5.44 a year for a Band D property. The budget makes no cuts to frontline services and secures funding for essential district council responsibilities including waste and recycling, community safety, planning, housing support, and environmental protection. Mr Hargreaves said: "We have worked hard to produce a balanced and responsible budget that protects the services our residents depend on every day. The draft budget includes a plan to raise council tenant rents by 4.8 per cent, equivalent to an average increase of £6.22 per week. The budget will be reviewed by the scrutiny committee on February 3 before going to cabinet on February 17.