7:00pm Wednesday 11th February 2009
By Diana Henderson
COUNCIL taxpayers in Poole are likely to face a 4.8 per cent rise from April this year.
Cabinet is recommending to full council next Thursday that council tax is increased by 4.8 per cent for 2009/10.
This means the annual charge for a band D property would be £1,175.49, a rise of £1.04 a week.
“We are very conscious of the impact of any increase in council tax at a time when many people in our community are beginning to feel the effects of the economic downturn,” said council leader, Cllr Brian Leverett. “Similarly, the council has to make very difficult decisions about its own budget as a result of the downturn, with income from planning fees and investments falling sharply,” he said.
“At the same time, the demand for our services is increasing greatly as more people look to the council for help and support. Unfortunately, this means we cannot avoid a rise in council tax this year, but we’ve worked hard to keep this as low as possible,” he said.
Borough of Poole is among the lowest funded of all unitary authorities, with a funding settlement from the government of 1.75 per cent compared to 3.4 per cent nationally.
He added: “Our priority remains to deliver services that residents need at an affordable level and not to cut key services unless unavoidable.”
However Liberal Democrats will be urging a rise of under four per cent, at a time when many residents are struggling to make ends meet.
“There are areas where extra savings can be found,” said Cllr Mike Brooke, leader of the Lib Dem group.
“There doesn’t appear to be a freeze in portfolio holders’ massive 67 per cent increase in their allowances. They ought to be part of the budget and setting an example.”
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