After a five year council tax freeze, Wealden’s Cabinet is proposing a 1.9 per cent increase.—Wealden District Council, 28 January 2016
The rise, which is the equivalent of 7 pence a week on the District Council contribution to the average Band D Council Tax, follows a 26% reduction in the central government funding the Council will receive next year.
“As well as the proposed council tax increase, we will shortly be embarking on a new Medium Term Financial Strategy which looks to save a further £950,000 in the Council’s annual budget by 2020,” said Councillor Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council.
“Wealden District Council has reduced its annual running costs by £3 million since 2008, while keeping council tax unchanged. This increase in Wealden’s council tax, to £3.41 a week, is necessary if we are to continue to maintain a high standard of services for all residents.
“We have prepared for a steady decline in the amount of Revenue Support Grant the Council receives from central government and are looking to make the Council self-financing by 2020, relying on council tax and contributions from business rates.
“The four year provisional funding settlement for local authorities announced by the Government last month is to be welcomed as it will help us plan ahead for the future.”
The Council’s Budget plans also includes provision for a £4.75 million investment in new infrastructure over the coming year through the Council’s Revolving Infrastructure Fund, to be followed by further investment of over £15 million over the next four year subject to the continuation of the Government’s New Homes Bonus.
Wealden’s share of the total council tax bill which the District’s residents pay is 10%. If the Cabinet proposal is approved at a meeting of Full Council on 24 February, this will be £177.44 a year for a Band D property. East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue and local parish or town councils set separate amounts, which are then collected on their behalf by Wealden District Council.
The Wealden council tax pays for refuse and recycling, economic regeneration, planning, public health, leisure centres, benefits support, environmental protection, and many other services.
