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24 Feb 00

POOLE SETS ITS COUNCIL TAX

Low funding from Central Government has meant that Poole's Council Tax for 2000/01 will be 705.78 per annum based on a Band D property.

The Borough of Poole's increase will mean Council Tax, will rise by £79.92 based on a band D property.

Brian Clements, Leader of the Council, said: "Until now we have been able to keep Poole's Council Tax the lowest in Dorset and one of the lowest in the country.
However, this year Poole will receive £156 less per resident than average similar authorities. With ever increasing pressures on our services we have been faced with setting priorities for Poole to ensure local people continue to receive the services they want and need".

The main increases in costs for the next year are:

£1.4 million for Social Services including:
· an increase in the number of children in care
· providing residential care for increasing numbers of adults with learning disabilities
· increased care costs to help vulnerable people in their own homes
· providing support for homelessness

£2.5 million for Education to:
· support increasing pupil numbers
· reduce class sizes to 30 for pupils in year 3
· provide additional support for children with special educational needs

£927,000 for Waste disposal:
· increases in the volume
· £693,000 will be paid in landfill tax

Brian Clements, Leader of the Council, said: "Poole has received the second lowest increase in funding from the Government of all Unitary Councils. Whilst a rise of 12.8% is painful, people in Poole will still pay less than the majority of their neighbours for local services. Only through a rigorous examination of budgets and services have we been able to achieve this and ensure the best quality services are available for local people".

brian clements - tel. 07977 259010