For the first time in its history, South Derbyshire District Council has frozen its share of the council tax. Members voted for the freeze at a Full Council meeting to help relieve the financial burdens on South Derbyshire residents.
It means the authority’s share of council tax will remain at £150.25 a year for those in a Band D property, compared to the national average of £168. This accounts for just over 10 per cent of the total council tax bill.
With the County, Police and Fire authorities also opting for a freeze, the level of Band D council tax will remain at £1,458 for 2011/12.
Cllr Bob Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “We have a total commitment to providing strong financial management which accounts for our excellent track record of providing good value for money.
“This has seen us set prudent budgets over recent years with only small increases in Council Tax. Now we have been able to go one better. We are maintaining services for our community while minimising the burden on the council taxpayer.”
Cllr Bob Wheeler said the action already taken to cut costs and not services, while doing more with less, was standing the authority in good stead.
The Council is delivering ‘back office’ services in partnership with Northgate Public Services, and recently announced a new senior management structure to ensure it continues to be run effectively and efficiently in the future.
The planned savings have made a major contribution to balancing the £1.75m reduction in the Council’s Government grant over the next two years.
Cllr Bob Wheeler added: “The Council took early action to ensure that it would be in better shape to meet the challenges of the future.
“This is a budget which protects the best interests of South Derbyshire residents. We will strive to make improvements without cutting services, and without increasing council tax.”
Regular readers will know that Ticknall Parish Council also voted to freeze the precept for 2011-12. Full Parish Council Minutes are available from our document depository via the DOCUMENTS link on the main menu.
