No council tax rise despite toughest budget says Leader

Residents in East Sussex have received good news on council tax – despite the County Council setting one of its toughest budgets on record.

That’s the message from Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, after the authority agreed its budget for 2011/12 and beyond.

The County Council agreed no rise in council tax, meaning that for an average band D council taxpayer, their bill for County Council services in 2011/12, would stay at £1,158.30.

Councillor Jones said: “The good news for our residents is that we’ve been able to use some additional Government grant to freeze our part of the council tax bill. We recognise that these tough economic times are making it even harder for individuals and families across East Sussex to manage their household budgets – where every pound counts – so we’re doing our best to help by keeping a lid on council tax.”

Councillor Jones said that the Council has been able to put the brakes on council tax because of its sound approach to managing its finances. He said: “Despite having to agree savings of £100 million over four years, starting with £37 million in 2011/12, we’ve stuck to our promise on council tax. We have a very good record when it comes to balancing the books whilst delivering quality services and this is what we will aim to continue.”

Councillor Jones also pointed out the additional good news on the Council’s capital programme – which will enable the Council to put more money towards some of its priorities, including highway maintenance.

Peter Jones said: “Additional government grant for capital schemes will mean that we can put more money into road and pavement repairs – which people have told us is really important – plus support for the school academies programme in Hastings and Eastbourne to help raise educational standards, school building improvements and better broadband for the county.”

^{text source : escc press release 15/2/11}