Richmondshire’s council taxpayers will
see no rise this year.
Although councillors have agreed a rise of
2.5% the increase will not be passed on to residents – the
authority’s Band D tax will remain at £188.93.
Under a scheme announced as part of the
Comprehensive Spending Review, central government will pick up the
extra cost. The District Council’s intended 2.5% increase
will be funded from central government pots - effectively freezing
rates for taxpayers.
The 2.5% increase equates to a £4.72 rise for
a Band D property.
“An increase of 2.5% is in line with our long
term financial strategy,” said Council Leader, Councillor Fleur
Butler.
“It means we can take advantage of the
Government’s scheme, get some extra funding from central pots but
freeze the tax for our residents which is welcome in this tough
financial climate.”
She said that over the next two years the
District Council is faced with a 31.66% decrease in its government
grant with 20.8% of that - or £885,000 – to be found within the
next 12 months (April 2012). That cash will be found through
efficiency savings and budget cuts – and through the shared service
project underway with Hambleton District Council.
Members of full council ratified the tax
freeze yesterday (Tuesday).
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