Council Tax is set to increase by 2.99 per cent for Oldham residents in the coming year.
At a Budget Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening (23 February), cabinet members approved the proposed rise.
It means people who live in Band A properties – the majority of Oldham's housing stock – will see a rise of £2.78 a month to their bills, before Parish Council and Mayoral precepts are added.
The rise is understood to be the lowest proposed increase in the region, of the 10 boroughs which make up Greater Manchester.
Meanwhile, Cabinet members also agreed on savings of £8.920 million for 2021/22, and reduction targets of £31.900 million for 2022/23 and £21.849 million for 2023/24, as part of the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy.
Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet member for Finance and Green, said: “This past year has been a real challenge for the council’s finances. The coronavirus pandemic has meant that balancing the resources we have available with demands for spending has never been more difficult.
“We understand that many Oldham residents are also facing a challenge to balance their own budgets. This is why we have limited our Council Tax increase to 2.99% because we know that even a small increase can make a big impact on people’s lives.
“These decisions are not taken lightly, but they are necessary to ensure we can keep supporting Oldham’s residents.
“Despite the challenges we face, we will continue to strive toward an inclusive economy for Oldham – a place where everyone has a fair and real chance to improve their own lives.”
Many councils in England are planning to impose the maximum five per cent tax rise this year that the government has allowed without the need for a public referendum - which includes a three per cent rise in social care precepts.
With the increase approved by Oldham's Cabinet, it will now go to full council on Thursday 4 March, where the budget for 2021/22 will also be formally approved.
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