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Babergh has done it again! With the second lowest level of Council Tax in Suffolk, and after two years of low Council Tax increases of 2.8% and 3.6%, Babergh District Council is considering a Council Tax increase of only 2.7% for its services next year.
This is in line with the Council’s financial strategy of doing its best to keep Council Tax increases to the rate of inflation.
In his report to the Strategy Committee, Geoff Kistner, Corporate Director, explains that this low increase of 2.7% is the result of a rigorous exercise over a number of months by Councillors and officers to identify efficiency and other savings, and the likelihood of a good grant settlement from the Government for next year.
“We have identified savings and additional income of £640,000 for next year”, he says. “This will enable Babergh to maintain and improve some services, whilst only increasing Council Tax by the rate of inflation.”
The most significant service improvement will be the change from half-fare to free bus travel from 1 April 2006 for the elderly and disabled. That will cost the Council an additional £350,000 a year, but that cost is being funded by the Government.
The final decision on the budget will be made by the Council on 23 February after the announcement by the Government of the final grant settlement for next year. The bills, which will go out in March, will also include the requirements of Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Police Authority and the relevant Parish/Town Council, as well as Babergh’s own requirements.
More information on council tax charges.
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