Council confirms new budget and tax increase

High Peak Borough Council have met to set its budget for the coming year at £16.6 million, to fund essential services for residents, businesses, and visitors.

At the meeting, on Thursday 26th February, a council tax increase of £6.70 (2.99%) was also agreed, setting Band D payments at £230.89 for 2026/27.

Councillors also agreed to revise the council tax reduction scheme to:

 Allow all applicants who receive Universal Credit but who do not have any earnings to receive the maximum amount of support.

 Disregard any compensation payments from the Post Office Horizon and the infected blood compensation schemes and the LGBT financial recognition scheme when calculating any entitlement.

 Align the temporary absence rules in the current working age scheme with those prescribed by the Government for the pension age scheme.

In line with Government guidance, rents for the Council’s housing tenants will rise by 4.8% - making the average rent £99.48 per week.

Councillor Alan Barrow, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services and Finance, said: “The Council budget funds the essential everyday services our residents and businesses rely on including waste and recycling collections, our leisure centres, parks and green spaces, and supporting our town centres and villages to thrive.

“We are always mindful of the need to strike the balance between providing the high quality, value for money services our communities rely on and keeping costs as low as possible for our tax payers.

“If anyone needs help with paying their council tax, I would urge them to review our website for further information or contact the team at the Council as support may be available. We have agreed to expand our council tax reduction scheme to ensure it provides sufficient support for our lowest income households and those facing exceptional hardship, and is applied fairly.”

The Borough Council collects council tax on behalf of the County Council, Police and Fire Authorities and town and parish councils but only retains around 10% of the total.

There’s more information about council tax on the HPBC website, where people can also sign up for an online council tax account enabling them to:

 View information at any time
 Change their method of payment
 Report a change of address or ownership
 Apply for a single person discount
 Help save paper and reduce costs by signing up for electronic bills and notifications

For anyone not able to access these services online, customer advisors are available to assist either by phoning 0345 129 7777 or visiting the council receptions at Buxton and Glossop