SOUTH Lakeland is set for an increase in council tax after the district council approved its budget plans for the next financial year.

An increase of 2.51 per cent in South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC’s) part of the council tax bill will equate to £5 extra per year on a band D property from April.

Cllr Andrew Jarvis, portfolio holder for finance, told Tuesday night’s full council meeting that the £2 million cost of SLDC’s pandemic response was being met from council reserves and that, thanks to prudent financial planning, the council had been able to present a balanced budget.

He said: “We continue to face challenges but we are still in a strong position to weather any storm, and we can still deliver an affordable but ambitious programme in 2021/22.’’

Key projects being supported by the new budget include:

• Economic development initiatives to support economic recovery from Covid

• Measures in the council’s climate change action plan

• Work to restore the Grange Lido site and improvements to Grange promenade

• Supporting the delivery of more affordable housing

• Contributing to the new roundabout on the A590 at Swarthmoor

• Funding for a new leisure centre in Ulverston

• Investing in car park improvements

• Creation of a ‘Mintworks 2’ business enterprise hub in Kendal

• Investment in playground improvements

• Funding for disabled access toilet facilities through the Changing Places programme

Cllr Giles Archibald, leader of SLDC, said: “These are extremely difficult times but, thanks to the hard work of our officers, we are able to continue to deliver significant benefits for all our residents.

“We need to protect the council’s long-term finances with prudent management, but we are also determined to protect our long-term ambitions and deliver on our key projects.’’

The SLDC element of council tax is only part of the final bill received by residents.

The overall bill also includes demands from Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Police and parish councils.

The district council's portion of the annual bill for an average band D property will be £204.54, or 56 pence per day.