Lib Dems keep Council Tax rise to 3.4%

10.40.51pm GMT Thu 2nd Mar 2006

From April, Council Tax in Bournemouth will rise by 3.4% (excluding Fire and Police charges) -just £1.44 more each week for a Band D property.

The lowest rise in Council Tax since 2000/1, and the second lowest since Bournemouth gained unitary status in 1997, a lot of work has gone into keeping the rise to a minimum, without compromising essential services.

The increase is also lower than other similar councils. Today the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) published the results of a survey indicating the average rise for unitary authorities would be 4.6%.

Councillor Adrian Fudge, Cabinet Member for Resources said, 'I'm pleased to be presenting this, the lowest rise for six years. Not only have we managed to maintain front line services, we've also been able to deal with £1.7million worth of government-imposed responsibilities, introduce around £2.7million of service improvements & developments and still be left with a sustainable budget for future years.'

Councillor Richard said in the annual budget speech 'Service improvements and developments include a new household recycling scheme, CCTV upgrades, improvements in customer service systems, strengthening procurement arrangements and money towards the Children's Agenda and Special Education Needs. ' Councillor Smith's full speech is linked below.

Related Links:

Councillor Richard Smith's budget speech.

CIPFA: Council Tax Bills Up 4.5%.

Garratt: Tories in disarray as Lib Dems pass lowest Council Tax rise for six years.

Garratt: Lib Dems set lowest Council Tax for five years and still invest in services.