NEWS RELEASES
Council sets tax levels for 2006-2007
23rd February 2006
HOUSEHOLDERS are to see the Horsham District Council element of their Council Tax rise by 4.9% in April of this year, following a meeting of Horsham District Council last night (22 February).
For a householder living in an average Band D property, this equates to a rise of £5.67 a year (11 pence a week) from the current £115.29 to £120.96 per annum to help pay towards Horsham District Council’s services.
Speaking after the Council meeting, Cllr Gordon Lindsay, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Horsham District Council, said:
“Whilst any increase is unwelcome, we have been able to keep it to a minimum as a result of prudent financial management.
“This is despite the fact that the increase in grant from the Government is less than is needed simply to stand still.
“Even with this increase, people in this District pay less for district council services than most others in the South East.
“It is also fair to say that residents get extremely good value and excellent services from the District Council.
“Examples of this include the new Southwater village centre provided at no cost to the tax payer as well as the new business estate nearby which will generate revenue.
“Money is also being invested in a new community centre and temporary accommodation at the TA Centre site in Horsham, the new Y Centre in the town as well as investment in new health centres in Steyning and Pulborough.
“We will continue to look at ways of reducing costs and work more efficiently while protecting services in order to maintain our ability to keep Council Tax levels as low as possible.”
Horsham District Council’s charges form 10% of the overall Council Tax paid by householders. The overall Council Tax includes other charges levied by the County Council (79%), the Police (9%) and the parishes (2%).
Only 27% of the District Council’s income is made up from the Council Tax. The remainder comes from fees and charges (36%), Government grant (22%), investment income (12%) and use of reserves (3%).
More information about the Council’s budget, including Council Tax issues, is available by calling (01403) 215301 or email contact@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk