South Norfolk Council considers 2.9% Council Tax increase

South Norfolk Council leaders are considering a recommendation to increase the annual Council Tax for its services by 2.9%.

That would mean the annual band D Council Tax bill in 2007/2008 just for South Norfolk Council services, would go up from the present £123.93 a year to £127.52 a year - or £3.59 a year extra.

Residents in South Norfolk get one Council Tax bill, which includes charges from Norfolk County Council for its services; Norfolk Constabulary for its services; and charges from town and parish councils for their services.

Those charges are agreed separately by those organisations and go into that single bill as one total charge, delivered to all South Norfolk residents.

South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet is considering its element of that one bill on Monday February 12. If the 2.9% increase is approved at Cabinet, it goes to the vote at Full Council on Monday February 26 for final approval.

Council Leader Vivienne Clifford-Jackson said:

“If finally approved, this below inflation increase will be welcomed by residents. We were preparing a similar very low increase last year but the Government cut our grant and wrecked our plans.

“This very low increase is thanks to our sound financial management which is delivering high-achieving, cost-effective services."

She pointed to the example of the district street cleaning service which is going in-house after 10 years of using external commercial contractors:

“Now we will have a better service for residents, provided by an in-house council team which is going to be able to do it £100,000 cheaper than if we had accepted the nearest private sector bid.”

She added:

“The 2.9% increase is being recommended without our having to raid the reserves, as others have done. We also intend to increase our investment portfolio to protect our tax payers in the future, and to continue to balance the books, despite the dark days that may lie ahead.”

Andy Radford, South Norfolk Council’s Head of Financial Services is recommending the 2.9% increase as part of his wider annual Budget report to Cabinet.

He said:

“We have made efficiency savings of £500,000 and invested in key front line services such as street cleaning. This month, inflation hit an 11-year high of 3%, so this recommended increase beats that.

“We have shown that we can live within our means and provide efficient, cost-effective and value-for-money services through a strong framework of effective financial planning and financial management.

However, he issued this warning:

"There are challenging times ahead, and we fear the Government may provide less financial support ”

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