Zero per cent rise in
Council Tax is approved
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales
has pledged to continue to help residents through the economic
downturn by not asking for a penny more in Council Tax for the
second year running.
Newham' freeze on the levy from April was approved on
February 22 at a meeting of the full council. It is the lowest
level in outer London.
The Mayor's budget outlines spending of £294.5 million on services.
Just under £224 million will be funded from Government grant with
the bulk of the rest met by Council Tax.
Amongst the priorities are spending on assisting people into jobs,
continuing the programme of free school meals for every primary
school pupil and a scheme that will see every child in Year 5
receiving two years' free music tuition and a free instrument for
those who complete the two years.
The zero per cent tax increase means properties in Band D will
continue to pay £945.63 to cover the Newham element of Council Tax.
Housing rents for council tenants will rise by an average of just
1.5 per cent or £1.14 for every week of the year.
The council is also continuing with its major savings programme to
make sure every penny counts. Savings amounting to £97 million over
the next three years are targeted. It is also making sure it is
investing in the services people say are the most important to
them.
Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "Once again we have come up with a very
good budget. We have taken steps to ensure that we are well
prepared for the inevitable reductions in public spending likely to
take place in 2011.
"The council is committed to channelling money where it is most
needed and help cut costs for residents, particularly when times
are toughest. Matched with the freeze on Council Tax we can be
truly proud of what we have achieved.
"It is important residents know we are on their side and always
looking to ensure value for money. We continue to think carefully
about how to spend the funds we have. It is residents' money and
they rightly expect results from it."