North West Leicestershire District Council has frozen its portion of the council tax bill for a 12th consecutive year - recognising the financial challenges many have faced in a tough year.

It was confirmed at the full council meeting last night (Tuesday, 23 February), that a Band D property will pay £158.58 to the district council in the next year – exactly the same as a household in this band paid back in 2009 for the services the district council delivers.

The decision comes as the council acknowledges the financial pressure many local residents are feeling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, other portions of residents' council tax may rise.

Payments to Leicestershire County Council, fire service, police force and parish councils are also collected through the council tax bill – and some of these authorities may choose or have already chosen to increase their portions.

The County Council recently announced a five per cent increase its council tax payments, blaming a lack of Government support during the Coronavirus pandemic Councillor defends tax increase.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council said: "We work incredibly hard to keep our finances healthy, plan for the future and make sensible investments so that we are able to consistently freeze our portion of council tax, which we are now doing for the 12th consecutive year.

"We felt this was especially important this year given the challenges our communities have faced due to Covid-19 and the financial pressure many are feeling as a result.

"We're proud to continue to deliver high quality services to the people of North West Leicestershire while providing exceptional value for money."

The council's budget also set out plans to invest a further £3million into Coalville regeneration over the next three years.

Cllr Blunt added: "The decision not to award Coalville funding from the Government's Future High Street Fund was a huge disappointment for us and the entire town, but has served to re-double our determination to deliver for Coalville, even if it means we have to do things the hard way.

"We're starting to see some real positive change in the town – Newmarket is near completion, the Snibston site regeneration is fantastic, and the new private owners of the Belvoir Centre have started to outline their investment plans.

"There is lots more to do and our commitment to invest a further £3 million over the next three years shows that Coalville remains our priority."

Other highlights in the 2021/22 budget include:

• A further £10m on the continued building of the new leisure centre, planned to open in 2022
• £5.1 million to spend on purchasing and building new council homes
• £250,000 to support the council's ambition to be net Zero Carbon by 2030
• £50,000 to install at new gate at Breedon on the Hill Church to resolve anti-social behaviour issues
• £15,000 to support volunteer litter pickers with new and improved equipment.