AN increase of just 1 per cent in council tax is being recommended by Stratford District Council’s cabinet for the forthcoming financial year.
This is less than the £5 a year assumed by central Government (an increase of 3.7 per cent) and equates to £1.36 on a Band D property in Alcester and Studley, less than 3p a week.
Council leader Councillor Chris Saint, said: “Whilst the District Council is facing inflationary pressures of over two per cent increase for pay and contracts, the Cabinet recognises that family budgets are under significant financial pressures, which is why we are proposing to fund the revenue gap using our reserves to minimise an increase for next year.
“Reserves of £9 million have been built up over a number of years and reflect our prudent financial management, in anticipation of challenging times.
“However, it will ultimately be for elected councillors to decide on any increase at the Full Council meeting on February 26, 2018.”
The increase in council tax will help fund an investigation into setting up an affordable housing company in the district, tackling homelessness through implementation of the Homelessness Act 2017 including additional capacity for the Citizens Advice Bureau, which prevented 69 families from becoming homeless in 2017.
It will also help provide temporary housing for residents who are deemed homeless, particularly following the introduction of Universal Credit.
The authority will also step up its efficiency drive through working better and will save the Council money in the longer term.
The council tax proposals now go out for consultation with a questionnaire sent to the Council’s Citizens’ Panel, seeking views on a range of issues including Council Tax and the proposed amendments to the budget.
