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6 Feb 08Poole's Budget for 2008/09
Borough of Poole's Cabinet is recommending a 4.9% rise in Council Tax for 2008/09. The matter will now be discussed and voted upon at a meeting of the Full Council on February 21.
The proposal will still mean that Band D Council Tax in Poole remains below the national average. Currently, Band D Council Tax in Poole is £1069, 3.3% below that of other comparable unitary authorities.
Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "I accept that this rise, which is marginally above the current rate of inflation, will be greeted with disappointment by residents, especially those on low or fixed incomes. However, it is the inevitable consequence of the Government's funding settlement for Poole, which at 2% is the minimum possible and in cash terms represents a little over £500,000. This is simply not sufficient to meet the increasing cost pressures and responsibilities faced by the Council.
"The Council must find an additional £548,000 to meet the increased cost of concessionary bus fares. We also have to find over £1,252,000 to support our growing older population, £485,000 to help those with disabilities, £191,000 to meet the ever increasing cost of waste, an additional £500,000 to implement the requirements of Equal Pay legislation and all this is before we meet the rising costs of pay and prices which are over £2,500,000 - the level of Government funding is just not enough."
The future looks no brighter with Government funding increases announced for future years at 1.8% (2009/10) and 1.5% (2010/11). In response, the Council's Financial Plans expect Council Tax to rise in each of the next two years by approximately 5%.
In order to keep Council Tax below 5% next year the Council is also proposing an increase in the fees and charges it places on some services, including social care and car parks. Some uneconomic services are also being reviewed, including small reductions in some library opening times.
Cllr Leverett continued: "This is a difficult balancing act but our aim is to protect our essential services. We need to continue to invest in those services which the people of Poole most value. This includes finding money for investment in new waste and recycling facilities, which if plans go ahead, will save money for council taxpayers in the future. The Government's funding plans for the next three years are disappointing and will force us to look at our priorities and review many of the Council's plans, including the capital programme, asset management plan and revenue budget.
"Given the possible implications to residents, service users and council taxpayers we will undertake a wide consultation on our plans as we lead into the budget for 2009/10. We are proud of our record on providing value for money in our services and we wish to continue delivering what people both want and can afford to pay."
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