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News

Cabinet Recommends 4.5% Council Tax Rise

Members of the Borough of Poole’s Cabinet last night agreed to recommend a Council Tax rise of 4.5 per cent for the financial year 2005/6. The recommendation will be discussed and voted upon at a meeting of the Full Council on February 17.

Council leader Brian Leverett said: “Despite the dismal levels of Government funding which resulted in Poole being the second lowest funded Unitary Council per head of population in the country, strong financial planning and prudent housekeeping has ensured the burden on Council Tax payers has been reduced to a minimum.  Central to this is the £1.6m efficiency savings which has been achieved this year across Council services.

“Whilst I know that any rise above inflation will be received with disappointment to all on low or fixed incomes, residents quite rightly have come to expect quality services. I therefore recommend this budget for Poole to allow us to continue delivering cost effective services and plan for the Town’s future.”

It means the Council’s share of a Band D tax bill will be £998.93 excluding the police and fire authority precepts which will be listed separately.

The Council’s financial planning has been praised in the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter from the Audit Commission published last month. It said: “The Council’s financial position is much improved on previous years with a satisfactory level of balances and an under-spend against budget forecast for 2004/5.”

Cllr Leverett said: “It is now possible to look forward and plan with confidence that the Council’s priorities can be delivered. We have achieved a great deal in the past year including the Blue Wheelie Bin recycling scheme, the opening of Rossmore Library and Community Learning Centre and Poole Housing Partnership obtaining the maximum three star rating and with it £35.4 million of Government funding for our housing stock.

“The challenges for the forthcoming year continue but I am confident this budget will continue to deliver and improve the good levels of services to local taxpayers.”   

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications & Tourism, Borough of Poole tel 01202 633295