29 February 2008, 08/50
West Lancs Council Tax remains one of lowest in challenging
economy
West Lancashire District Council has announced a Council Tax rise
of just 3.35% despite a really low government funding
settlement.
This means that it is an increase of just £5.83 a year for the
average Band D property - a rise of just over 11 pence per
week.
Councillor Adrian Owens, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said:
"Despite the minimum grant increase possible of only 1% from the
Government and reductions in other government grants resulting in
an overall reduction in government funding to West Lancashire
District Council, we have achieved a low increase in Council Tax by
squeezing savings across a wide range of our work. I am delighted
to announce that we have pegged the Council Tax rise to an
affordable, sensible level, to ensure that our residents will get
value for money whilst still maintaining our excellent
services."
The pressures
This year, the main pressures that have made the budget process a
more challenging one than usual arise from the Government's low
settlement; increases to the costs of pensions and benefits;
changes in legislation on empty property rates, which will place an
extra burden on the Council's business properties, all of which are
government requirements and outside of the council's control. In
addition there have been massive national fuel price
increases.
Savings
So we are making savings through the restructuring of parts of the
Council and general efficiency savings by looking at more
cost-effective ways to deliver services. As a result, it means that
not as many new initiatives can be implemented but it does mean
that residents will still enjoy the same levels of services.
Budget headlines
· Car park prices have been frozen for the 6th year running
· Fixed penalty notices will be increased for litter offences, dog
fouling and other environmental health hazards in the Council's bid
to keep the district clean, green and safe.
· Extension of the £21,000 of funding for tourism activities for
one further year to maximise the benefit to the district from
Capital of Culture 2008
· Plans to introduce recycling for business customers helping to
boost the district's recycling rates close to 50%
· £100,000 package of improvements to Richmond Park in
Burscough
· Further planned reductions in energy usage on Council vehicles
and in Council buildings, which will save money and reduce carbon
emissions. (Note: Reduction of 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions have
already been achieved in the first 9 months of the new
energy-saving effort announced in the 2007 budget)
· Increased costs for planning applications, pest control and
licences, football pitches and some other leisure facilities.
The figures
Band D is regarded by the Government as the 'average property', but
in West Lancs District the majority of properties are Band A, B and
C - so the 'average' Council Tax payer in West Lancs will face an
increase of less than £5 for District Council services.
The increase means that the Band D Council Tax bill in West Lancs
will be £179.95 a year from 1 April 2008. When the new bills go
out, however, the total figure will also include the bills from
Lancashire County Council, the Police, Fire and, in some areas, the
Parish Council. The total bill before parish precepts will amount
to £1,453.13.
Council Tax increases for Band D properties
West Lancashire DC:
2007/08: £174.12
2008/09: £179.95
Increase £: £5.83
Increase %: 3.35%
Lancs County Council:
2007/08: £1,046.20
2008/09: £1,077.06
Increase £: £30.86
Increase %: 2.95%
Lancashire Police:
2007/08: £125.95
2008/09: £135.96
Increase £: £10.01
Increase %: 7.95%
Lancashire Fire:
2007/08: £57.44
2008/09: £60.16
Increase £: £2.72
Increase %: 4.74%
Total:
2007/08: £1403.71
2008/09: £1,453.13
Increase £: £49.42
Increase %: 3.52%
Related information
> Paying your council bills