RCT As part of its budget strategy for 2011/12 the Cabinet has recommended a Council Tax increase of 2.95%.
Against the backdrop of the lowest-ever financial settlement since the Council was established, the Council can still produce a budget that protects jobs and local services, and will deliver an investment of some £5M for our roads.
During the debate, Cabinet Members expressed the need to set Council Tax at a realistic level in light of the current financial climate, and which is being made even worse by funding reductions.
The debate was also informed by recent and extensive consultation with residents from all walks of life – including school pupils, supermarket shoppers and forums for older people and the disabled – as part of the Council’s ongoing consultation work.
Speaking directly following the special Budget Cabinet meeting, County Borough Councillor Russell Roberts, Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Cabinet said:
“We felt it was hugely important for us to set Council Tax at the most reasonable level we possible could. As a Council we are well aware how the cuts and tough financial climate are already impacting on peoples lives.
“We could not go any lower, as the Council needs to bridge a £14M funding as a consequence of the cuts imposed to public sector funding by the UK Government.
“Most importantly our budget strategy protects hundreds of jobs and frontline services, in addition we have also provided for a major investment in our roads infrastructure which has suffered greatly through the last two severe winters.
“Many people will be aware of the cuts to services and the compulsory redundancies that other Council have found necessary to introduce as a result of the budget that have been imposed on all local authorities. I am pleased to state that this will not be the case in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Thanks to our measured approach and careful financial planning we are able to assure residents that important frontline services and jobs are protected.
“This sensible level of Council Tax increase supports our objectives and our consultation process with the public has shown that residents overwhelmingly agree with this balanced approach.”
Proposed Council Tax increases were shared with the public during the consultation work. The majority of those who responded were satisfied with a proposed increase of 2.95%, with 64 per cent of online responses agreeing an increase was fair, as long as services were protected.
Comments received included: “I think this is low and fair” and “I don’t mind a rise if services are protected.”
Of those who did not find an increase acceptable, the main reason given was the general rise in the cost of living, which is why the Council remains committed to protecting services residents rely upon.
The 2.95% increase represents approximately a 40p increase per week for the average Council Tax payer in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Those less well off and on benefits will not have to pay the increase.
Cabinet’s recommendations will be discussed by Full Council on February 23rd. Following this meeting Council Tax will be set by Council on March 3rd Council sets fair Council Tax strategy
