Middlesbrough Mayor Announces £6M Service Boost, 2% Tax Rise

BREAKING: Middlesbrough’s Mayor Chris Cooke just announced an ambitious budget plan that includes a 2% council tax increase alongside a significant investment of over £6 million aimed at enhancing local services. This urgent update comes as the city prepares to tackle pressing community needs amid financial challenges.

In a statement released earlier today, Mayor Cooke detailed the council’s commitment to prioritize public services, ensuring that residents receive the support they need. The budget proposal has been shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service and is expected to be a crucial point of discussion in upcoming council meetings.

The proposed tax rise, which will affect households across Middlesbrough, is designed to fund essential services that have faced cuts in recent years. Mayor Cooke emphasized the necessity of this increase, stating that “it is vital to secure the future of our community services and ensure that we can respond effectively to the needs of our residents.”

This budget plan is particularly significant as Middlesbrough continues to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. The council aims to allocate the £6 million boost towards vital areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements. By investing in these sectors, the Mayor hopes to foster long-term growth and stability within the city.

As the council prepares to present these proposals for approval, residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. The final decision is expected to be made by the end of March 2023, making this an urgent topic for all Middlesbrough residents.

For those interested in participating in the upcoming discussions, community meetings will be scheduled to allow citizens to engage directly with council members. This is a critical opportunity for locals to influence how their tax contributions will be utilized in the coming fiscal year.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as more details emerge and the council moves closer to finalizing the budget. This is a pivotal moment for Middlesbrough, and residents are urged to stay informed and involved.