Below inflation Council Tax rise approved

25 February 2013

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Council Tax charges for Woking Borough will rise, for the first time in three years, by 1.9% for 2013/2014 following a decision by Members at last week's Full Council meeting (Thursday 21 February 2013).

The below inflation 1.9% increase, equivalent to 8 pence per week for a Band D property, means that those living in a typical Band D property will pay £208.71 a year for Borough Council services such as refuse collection, environmental maintenance, planning services and leisure facilities.

To support the wide range of activities the Council undertakes, it will continue to raise money from fees, charges and grants, as well as Council Tax, to meet day-to-day operational costs. It will also use other funds such as the sale of assets and borrowing to fund one-off projects which have a value to future generations. The Council is, however, keen to point out that it does not borrow to fund operational expenses and the costs of borrowing are built into the budget.

The Woking Borough tax changes will be added to the charges from Surrey County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey to make up the final bill.

Speaking about the budget for the year, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive, Cllr John Kingsbury, said: "The continuing economic challenges that local authorities face has meant it necessary to include a modest, yet in my view unavoidable, increase in Council Tax of 1.9%, which is equivalent to £3.96 per annum or 8 pence per week for a typical Band D property.

"Woking's share of Council Tax has been frozen since 2010/11, but to have taken the Government's offer of a 1% freeze grant now for two years only would not, in my opinion and that of the Executive, be right for Woking and, as far as I am aware, is not right for the vast majority of other Surrey Boroughs and Districts.

"Once again, we have protected services for local residents despite the negative economic climate within which we have to operate, thanks to improvements in operational efficiency and investment.

"We have maintained our commitment to ensure that appropriate capital investment is made whilst achieving the savings in running costs necessary to deliver a balanced revenue budget. Indeed, we are able to include some significant growth including further improvement in recycling with a new `free subscription' weekly service for the disposal of nappies and hygiene waste, as well as much needed help for disadvantaged families through our new Family Support Service, helping them get back into work.

"We have achieved a great deal in difficult times and Woking residents have been well served by this Council. I believe we are on the right path to securing the economic vitality that is essential to underpin activity in 2013/14 and future years."

In March, Woking Borough Council will send out the new Council Tax bills, together with two 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