Woking Borough keeps Council Tax rise to a minimum

23 February 2010

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A financial plan, which will set a balanced budget and enable all Council services to continue operating during the forthcoming year, was given the final seal of approval by Woking Borough Council at its meeting last night (Monday 22 February 2010).

The budget has been set after identifying additional income arising from `invest to save' projects such as the recent acquisition of Wolsey Place and achieving efficiency savings to offset a lower yield in income from fees and charges.

As a result, Council Tax payers will be asked to pay an additional 2.5%, which is below the current level of inflation, for their local services from April this year. This will mean that the average Band D property will need to pay an additional 10p a week (£4.95 a year) for Borough Council services such as refuse collection, environmental maintenance, housing, planning services and leisure facilities.

Woking Borough Council's increase will then be added to the new charges from Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to make up the final Council Tax bill, which will show an overall increase of 2.5%.

Speaking about the budget for the year, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive, Cllr John Kingsbury, said: "We continue to operate in a very challenging economic climate, but I am pleased to say that we have been able to keep Council Tax increases to a minimum, without cutting any key services."

Woking Borough Council will send out the new Council Tax bills in March, together with two new information booklets:

  • `Your guide to Council Tax and Business Rates' which explains how the money is collected and spent, and

  • `Your guide to local services in Woking Borough' which includes a comprehensive A to Z guide to local services.

Council Tax payers who are experiencing difficulties paying their bill are encouraged to contact the Council for advice by calling 01483 743852 or emailing ctax@woking.gov.uk