Cheshire East to raise Council Tax by 3.75%

Cheshire East Council is set to raise its Council Tax by 3.75%, which represents the first increase in five years.

The Council says this is necessary in order to invest in vital frontline services for residents and that a substantial part of the tax rise will be used to boost services for the vulnerable, elderly and young.

The Council Tax will increase from £1,216.34 to £1,261.95 for a Band D property, which equates to an extra £45.61 per year or 88p per week.

The authority wishes to re-assure its 370,000 residents that its economy remains strong and vital front-line services will continue to be protected despite the toughest financial challenges the Council has faced in its seven-year history.

Councillor Peter Groves, Cabinet member in charge of finance, said: "This Council is proud to have maintained a zero tax increase for five years. It is to be regretted that our excellent record has come to an end.

"This increase is required due to the change in national policy to shift the burden of funding from central to local taxation.

"Strong leadership and sound financial management have helped to offset higher costs but in time we will have to become even more resourceful in the way we deliver services, achieve our economies and minimise any future rate rises.

"The public sector must play its part to help reduce the high level of national debt and Cheshire East has responded to the challenge through a strategy of innovation and creativity with a relentless pursuit of greater efficiency and productivity."

A cut of more than £16m in government grant in 2016-17 alone, which is far more than anticipated, has placed substantial strains on the authority's purse strings.

Cllr David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "I congratulate our finance team on developing a robust budget in very challenging circumstances.

"This Council has never faced this situation before but, due to the effective way we have delivered services in recent years, we are in a far stronger position than many other authorities.

"I hope our residents will understand our position and recognise that, as a Council, we continue to deliver excellent value for money.

"While our increase is 3.75 per cent, some local authorities are increasing their council tax by 3.99 per cent with the prospect of the same level of increase each year for five years."

Tags:
Cheshire East Council, Council Tax
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Chris Templar
Tuesday 2nd February 2016 at 5:00 pm
When you do the sums, this isn't a particularly large increase, but we already pay higher Council Tax based on our rateable value relative to other areas such as Trafford.
In Chelford, we have had to fight for nearly two years to have street lights on the A537 turned back on, that shouldn't have been turned off in the first place according to the Council's own plan. Now other street lights on the main road past the village hall, which is on a bad bend anyway, have been turned off between the station and the roundabout, so here we go again!
The Mere Court pond in Chelford is still a disgrace despite various Council officials having been to stand at look at it, at the instigation of the excellent Parish Council, muttering where do we get the money to pay for this to be cleaned up?
Come on Cheshire East, and Mr Suarez (I do hope you take action on these comments), your waste collection services are excellent, with friendly, efficient staff - could we try to excel in other areas too please?
DELETED ACCOUNT False Name (Louise Gray)
Wednesday 3rd February 2016 at 2:51 pm
Glad some think it isn't much' it equates to an extra £11 a month (when you factor in the parish precept increase) for me which I do find hard as my salary was frozen in 2005. I expect it is a drop in the ocean for some but not for the many of us who struggle to make ends meet. We are not all football players, Bankers and filthy rich property developers who pay nil VAT on building their huge mansions....
Vic Barlow
Wednesday 3rd February 2016 at 9:47 pm
So there you go…
The first council tax increase since Michael Jones became Leader.
No council tax rise on his watch .
Soon as he resigns 3.75% on our bills.
So for all those who wanted him gone this is the first step in what is likely to follow.