Borough proposes another year's council tax freeze
Tuesday, 4th February 2014.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s cabinet will propose its element of council tax is frozen for the fifth year out of the last six when it meets next Tuesday.
Cllr John Griffiths, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted that we are able to be proposing to freeze our share of council tax yet again which means that residents will be paying the same as they did four years ago.
"To do this, while maintaining the quality services which St Edmundsbury provides, has not been at all easy, and the council continues to face further financial pressures and reductions in funding from Government.
"However, we have already proved that by working differently, we can deliver savings while protecting services for the people we serve.
"We will continue to look for innovative and cost effective ways to improve the quality of life, and value for money, for our residents.”
St Edmundsbury is considering a balanced budget despite its Government funding being cut by a further 23 per cent, making a 48 per cent reduction over the next two years.
It has achieved £3.5m savings through sharing services with neighbouring Forest Heath District Council, and a further £417,000 local savings.
Cllr Griffiths added: “We have been mindful while preparing next year’s budget that tough times will be with us for some time.
"Our Medium Term Financial Strategy for the next two years, shared with Forest Heath, gives a framework for tackling the serious challenges yet to come, as the role of local government changes.”
St Edmundsbury’s full council will met on February 25 to set the 2014/15 budget.
Cllr John Griffiths, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted that we are able to be proposing to freeze our share of council tax yet again which means that residents will be paying the same as they did four years ago.
"To do this, while maintaining the quality services which St Edmundsbury provides, has not been at all easy, and the council continues to face further financial pressures and reductions in funding from Government.
"However, we have already proved that by working differently, we can deliver savings while protecting services for the people we serve.
"We will continue to look for innovative and cost effective ways to improve the quality of life, and value for money, for our residents.”
St Edmundsbury is considering a balanced budget despite its Government funding being cut by a further 23 per cent, making a 48 per cent reduction over the next two years.
It has achieved £3.5m savings through sharing services with neighbouring Forest Heath District Council, and a further £417,000 local savings.
Cllr Griffiths added: “We have been mindful while preparing next year’s budget that tough times will be with us for some time.
"Our Medium Term Financial Strategy for the next two years, shared with Forest Heath, gives a framework for tackling the serious challenges yet to come, as the role of local government changes.”
St Edmundsbury’s full council will met on February 25 to set the 2014/15 budget.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)