Waverley Lib Dems Council Tax increase just 7p a week (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Waverley Lib Dems Council Tax increase just 7p a week

February 21, 2007 1:35 AM

At the annual Waverley Borough Council Budget setting meeting last night, Council Leader Gillian Ferguson set out the Liberal Democrat vision for Waverley's financial future.

Cllr Ferguson commented: "With a Council Tax rise of only 2.7% I have no doubt the public will recognise us to be a responsible Administration, one which has reduced bureaucracy, improved services, made a significant contribution to addressing climate change and given our council taxpayers a fair deal by keeping council tax as low as possible. Over the last 4 years, under the Liberal Democrats, council tax will have increased in total by just 4.2% above inflation. This compares to the last, allegedly low tax, Conservative Administration, which increased taxes taxes in total by 15.5% above inflation; that equates to an increase 2½ times the rate of inflation."

"Our government grant has increased by just 2.7% in headline terms. That's 1.5% below the current rate of inflation. The Government were encouraging Council Tax rises of up to 5% to cover their shortfall. Instead, we confirmed an increase of just 2.7%."

By looking at resources prudently, we have shown that there are sufficient capital resources to fund the next three years' capital programmes - including significant extra leisure spending of over £2 million in Godalming and Farnham alone. Sponsored Organisations in Waverley also benefit from over £600,000 this year. Waverley residents will see real benefits from the strong local leadership and positive financial decisions that the Liberal Democrat administration have made, resulting in another less than inflation Council Tax rise."

Cllr Stewart Edge, Portfolio Holder for Finance noted "Whilst the Conservatives made no budget proposals of their own, the Independent Group were pushing for an enormous 4.4% rise. The 2.7% increase represents a public dividend from our continued prudent management."

Waverley Budget Summary: Key Facts

In summary, the Liberal Democrats proposed a budget that will

• Continue Waverley's support for services which residents value.

• Make generous provision for capital schemes across a range of leisure and community facilities.

• Provide financial support for Waverley's valued sponsored organisations across the Borough, such as Citizens Advice and Day Centres.

• Establish ongoing support for Hoppa, Waverley Community Transport

• Provide financial investment for continued improvements for our recycling initiatives.

• Make significant improvements in the value for money that Waverley provides with Council Taxpayers money.

• Recognise Waverley's responsibility to maintain prudent reserves in current and future years.

• Increase Council Tax by 2.7%. To put this in perspective - Waverley's council tax bill will be £145.89 a year for an average Band D Council Tax payer - an increase of just £3.78 over last year. That's 7p a week. Waverley's share of the total tax bill is less than 11%, the rest going to Surrey County Council and the Police Authority - who are increasing by 4.4% and 4.9% respectively. The total bill at Band D for Waverley residents for the year 2007/08 will be £1,364.83.

This is yet again a responsible budget from a Liberal Democrat Administration determined to provide value for money services at the level, and of the quality, that the public expect.