Council Tax is set to be frozen for a third consecutive year in South Gloucestershire while the Living Wage will be introduced for low-paid council staff from October 2013, as part of three-party revenue budget proposals agreed by the council’s Policy & Resources Committee earlier this week.
In the authority’s first budget proposals since moving to a committee system last May, committee members recommended a budget of £189 million for 2013/14, with Council Tax for a Band D property to be set at £1,245.50.
The proposals, which were agreed unanimously by the authority’s three political groups, will be considered at Full Council later this month, prior to implementation in April 2013.
Leader of the council’s Conservative Group Cllr John Calway said:
“South Gloucestershire’s part of the Council Tax is one household item that does not have to increase because of our plan to freeze it, whilst at the same time protecting the value-for-money frontline services that our residents demand. As a result, the average Band D household is on course to have saved £139 on their Council Tax bill over 3 years.”
Leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat Group Cllr Ruth Davis said:
“This budget will see the protection of our vital services, and allow us to plan for the future. I’m pleased we were able to address the priorities of all three parties.”
Leader of the council’s Labour Group Cllr Andy Perkins said:
“I am pleased that key Labour proposals have made their way into the agreed package. Bringing in the Living Wage, keeping our Housing Benefit team fully staffed and freezing the Council Tax are all measures that should help those struggling with their finances.”
The proposed spending commitments will be met by freezing the council’s inflation provisions for 2013/14. This will reduce its Council Tax increase requirements and in turn allow it to access a government grant that will allow Council Tax to be frozen for a third year.
The Full Council meeting takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 20th February, at the council’s Kingswood Civic Centre. The meeting is open to members of the public and copies of the agenda and reports are available online.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
Council Tax in South Gloucestershire has been frozen for a third consecutive year after the three-party revenue budget proposals were agreed at full Council tonight (Wednesday 20th February).
A budget of £189 million has been set for 2013/14 with council tax for a Band D property remaining unchanged at £1,245.20. With precepts added from the Police and Crime Commissioner, parishes and Avon Fire & Rescue Service, the average council tax for a Band D property will be £1,539.27, which will be implemented on 1st April 2013.