Council Tax Reduction Agreed by Borough Council
Burton Town Hall (Photo credit: InBurton)
East Staffordshire Borough Council has agreed to keep household payments low again this year by reducing its portion of the overall Council Tax bill.
The proposed 1% reduction in Council Tax, which was agreed at a Full Council meeting tonight [Monday 25th February], is being achieved despite unprecedented reductions of 40% in funding from central government announced for the period 2011/12 to 2014/15,– leaving an average Band D property paying just £168.99 for the year to the Borough Council.
Councillor Richard Grosvenor, Leader of the Council, said: “Once again it’s pleasing to announce such good news during these difficult financial times.
“The Council has continued to work hard over the last 12 months to make savings whilst ensuring we don’t compromise on the quality of our frontline services. The Council is financially well run authority and if you compared our financial position with other Councils you will find they are not in as good health as ESBC. It speaks volumes that when other Councils are increasing their Council Tax we are able to reduce it.
“We are delighted to be able to pass on the savings we have made to our residents. This is the fourth year in a row where the Council has either reduced or not increased its element of the charge.”
The news comes on top of the Councils most recent Audit Letter that praised ESBC for its strong financial performance – particularly for providing good value for money across all of its services and building upon the previous hard work to continually increase the value offered to residents.
Andy O’Brien, Chief Executive of East Staffordshire Borough Council, added: “It’s pleasing to see the Council performing strongly financially and, as recognised by our most recent audit letter, continuing to provide value for money to residents. However, I would like to assure residents that we won’t be taking anything for granted this year and will continue to look at ways of making the Council better value for money for our residents without impacting on the services we provide.”
The authority has been working proactively over the past few months to make savings of £1.3m to ensure front line services are protected and that Council Tax levels could be reduced.
