RUGBY Borough Council (RBC) will raise its share of Council Tax by an average of £6.61 a year from April.
The council has approved a 2.99 per cent rise in its share of the tax, which it says will help to protect priority services while investing in the town centre and local neighbourhoods.
Funding has been outlined for 11 projects to support town centre regeneration, including exploring options for the council to take control of the Rugby Central shopping centre and the Brotherhood House site.
The Love Rugby Festival will continue to receive funding following its launch last year, together with other town centre events and activities.
The budget will also fund services previously provided by Rugby First, including street cleansing and community safety.
It also introduces a new Liveable Neighbourhoods programme which aims to make communities across Rugby greener and more connected through improved planting in urban areas, better information on accessibility at public spaces and buildings, allotment grants, and work to increase engagement on climate change.
Funding is also included to strengthen voluntary and community organisations across the borough, including the Percival Guildhouse, Hoskyn Centre, Rugby Ecohub and the relaunched Rugby Disability Forum.
The programme also includes a new councillor grant scheme, under which each borough ward councillor will receive £3,000 to support local projects such as tackling fly tipping, antisocial behaviour and littering, or supporting community groups and green spaces.
RBC leader Coun Michael Moran said: “Since becoming Leader in 2024, I have focused on laying the groundwork to make real improvements to the town centre to support businesses and our regeneration plans.
“Our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme will help improve communities across the borough, and I am particularly proud that we are investing in grants that go directly to local sports clubs, community groups and allotment associations. We want to help residents get out and about, supporting both their physical and mental health.”
Coun Jerry Roodhouse, Chair of the Rugby Town Centre Working Group, said: “It is very clear that we need to continue to invest in the town centre, through physical changes that make the town more attractive and through events and activities.
“That must remain a focus for the council, and I am pleased that this budget continues that support.”
After Warwickshire Country Council (see article below) and Warwickshire Police raised their larger shares of Council Tax by £81.12 and £15 a year respectively for average Band D properties, Rugby residents will pay £102.73 more on average during the 2026-27 financial year.’’
