TOWN Hall chiefs in Warrington are seeking the views of the public on a four per cent rise in council tax later this year.
This would compare with a 4.7 per cent increase last year and, council chiefs claim, would be the lowest increase in 
the borough for more than 10 years.
This would mean an increase of 82 pence per week for the average, Band D property – a rise of £42.69 a year.
But despite the rise and a review of all council operations to produce savings of £10.132 million, the authority still faces a budget shortfall of £10.132 million.
Council chiefs stress that no decisions have yet been made and that they want to take residents’ views into account.
They will be consulting community and business sector representatives throughout January.
Comments must be received by January 31 – either by writing to Budget Consultation, Corporate Services Directorate, New Town House, PO Box 13, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 1BN or by emailing [email protected]
In a joint statement, council leader Ian Marks and his deputy, Keith Bland say the global economic downturn affects councils as much as any other organisation, with rising costs and reduced income.
But demand continues to grow for many services – particularly in the area of social care.
They say: “We are committed to doing everything we can to keep your council tax as low as possible and at the same time continue to provide good quality services.
“To do this means we must take tough decisions to ensure we can balance our spending plans.”
The council plans to achieve savings through business efficiency of £6,049,000 and through service delivery savings £507,000. They also aim to increase income by £3,576,000.
Coun Marks and Coun Bland say they are fully aware of the impact any increase in Council Tax will have on residents in the current difficult economic climate and admit there is no easy answer.
Their message to the public is: “We need your views to help us find the right balance between the level of service we can provide and the amount of council tax you pay.”
Pictured: Coun Marks (top) and Coun Bland.
Four per cent council tax rise?
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
2 Comments
In this global economic downturn, very few businesses are able to raise their prices if they are feeling the pinch. Even fewer individual employees are able to make a strong enough case to receive a pay rise. So why is it that WBC seem to think themselves immune from the need for pricing restraint? After last years inflation busting increase (and where on earth did that all go???) they are proposing another substantial hike when most peoples experience of their services is one of declining quality. No real world service provider would get away with doing this to its customers, it is only WBC’s monopoly position which enables it to treat its customers so shabbily.
how come every year they make cuts in business efficiency and service delivery – are they any nearer to making the running of the council any where near efficient?
also don’t forget the police and parish council will be adding their little bit extra as well!
By following householders lead – they could save a little bit by turning off some street lights in the early morning hours and switching off some of the traffic lights when there’s no heavy traffic (incorporate a roundabout) – its funny how traffic flows easier when certain traffic lights are out of order!