An East Lancashire local authority is to increase many of its fees and charges to residents and businesses by two per cent for the financial year from April 1.

But the rise approved by Burnley Council's executive on Wednesday night is less than the three per cent figure originally projected in September.

In 2025/26 the charge for short-stays on council car parks will increase of 10p for the up to one hour, one to two hour, and two to three hour slots.

Long-stay parking fees will remain unchanged.

There will be no increase to the charges at Bankfield and Millenium Car Parks.

Contract parking charges will increase by 2.05 per cent (Monday to Friday) and 2.15 per cent (Monday to Saturday).

The increases/freezes in charges will result in an average increase of three per cent across the service generating approximately £23,000 additional income.

Fees for burials, cremations and other services at Burnley Council's cemeteries and crematorium will rise by two per cent.

Green 'garden waste' collection fees will stay at £40 per subscription.

The council's discretionary commercial pest control service will be scrapped as uneconomic.

The Towneley Hall admission fee, reduced by 50 per cent for the period October 2022 to January 2025 due to building works, will be reinstated to the 2023/24 values and increased by two per cent.

Other fee increases include:

  • the cost of outdoor sports and events on the council's parks will go up by two per cent;
  • allotment rents will rise by two per cent;
  • commercial waste charge per bin lift will increase by two per cent to six per cent dependent upon size;
  • replacement residual, recycling and green bins will increase by 1.5 per cent as will the provision of bins at new build properties;
  • bulky waste collection charges will increase from £15.40 to £15.70;
  • licensing fees are to be increased by two per cent; and
  • building control fees and charges will be increased by 10 per cent.

Cllr Margaret Lishman, Burnley Council's finance boss. said, “We’re committed to making sure that our fees and charges remain as affordable as possible while allowing the council to continue delivering essential services to our residents.

"Reducing the planned increase from three per cent to two per cent reflects our sensitivity to residents’ needs in these challenging times.

"This decision strikes a balance, generating necessary income while minimising the impact on our community.”

This revised increase is expected to generate approximately £95,000 in council revenue for the year 2025/26, lower than the £125,000 that a three per cent increase would have provided.