Lower council tax rise
At last night’s meeting, Wychavon’s Executive
Board announced a proposed council tax rise of just 1.94%. The
lower than expected rise is in recognition of the tough times
taxpayers are facing and would mean a bill of £108.44 for a band D
property next year.
It was previously expected that the rise would
be 2.5% as it has been for the last 9 years, but due to the success
of the single persons discount review, and a healthier than
expected budget position, it was only seen as fair that residents
should feel the benefit.
Paul Middlebrough, Leader of Wychavon
said “This announcement is really positive news for
residents and the
increase is likely to be the lowest of any district council
in the county and probably amongst the lowest in the country. We
have been very cautious with our budgets this year and have a long
term strategy that will hopefully protect services into the
future.”
Bob Banks, Board member for Resources
added “The financial impact to us so far has been lost
income from planning work, car parking and investments. We have
already taken out £781,000 from the budget in response to the
recession and have done this by freezing vacancies, making
efficiencies and limiting our spending. However, we are preparing
for further significant financial pressures from 2011/12.
This is when the Government’s funding of councils is reviewed.”
With this in mind the budget proposals for
2010/11 are cautious. The good news is that a modest amount of
money has been found for the Citizens Advice Bureau, youth
facilities and energy and water reducing measures at the Civic
Centre. We consider energy and water measures to be an invest to
save initiative.
Residents will also remember that before
Christmas Wychavon asked residents where they would prefer to see
any savings made. These results will be looked at more closely over
the coming months with a view to making savings if necessary from
2011/12.
The final decision on the budget will be taken
at Council 23 February.