News

Surrey Heath Borough Council sets 2010/11 council tax

Released on 18 February 2010

The average resident will pay 51p a day to fund the services of Surrey Heath Borough Council following the setting of the 2010/11 council tax last night (Wednesday).

A full meeting of Surrey Heath Borough Council agreed a 2.5% increase in the council's portion of the council tax, bringing the borough's share - or precept - of the tax to £185.45, up from £180.93 this year. This equates to a rise of just over 1p a day.

This charge will raise money towards vital council services such as waste collection and street cleaning - which all residents benefit from - and other vital support services such as Housing, Benefits and Environmental Health.

2010/11 marks the last year of central Government's three year funding settlement for councils. Surrey Heath's grant has only increased by 0.5% (£24,000) per annum, well below this year's 4% national average and the current measure of inflation, running at 3.5%. This comes with a back drop of rising costs and falling income from a range of services directly linked to economic growth such as building control, land charges and commercial property rentals.

Savings of almost £900,000 have been made and reflected in the 2010/11 budget through reducing costs and finding more efficient ways of delivering services. The council has set a target of £470,000 savings for 2010/11, to ensure financial sustainability and in order to provide residents with value for money.

It is important to note that, Surrey Heath is just one of three precepting authorities and its charge represents about 12% of the total bill. By far the largest proportion, around 74%, goes to Surrey County Council to pay for highways, schools and social services. Surrey Police Authority, which funds Surrey Police, takes about 13%.

In parished areas - Bisley, Chobham, West End and Windlesham - the parish council also levies a precept, usually around £35. Surrey Heath Borough Council issues the bills and collects the money on behalf of all precepting authorities.

Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council Cllr Moira Gibson said: "Despite the global recession and fragile recovery we have ensured that our services which support our community remain strong through these difficult times.

"Also at a time of tremendous financial pressure the Council has tried to keep the council tax as low as possible while still offering value to our residents such as the quality of our parks and open spaces and the introduction of a new waste collection service.

"This comes despite reductions in income from investments, lower income from our fees and charges and a low government funding settlement.

"To balance the books the council has worked very hard to find savings of nearly £1 million during the last year, including efficiency reviews for its services, helping to minimise the level of council tax.

"I feel Surrey Heath Borough Council provides good value for the 51p a day it costs the average Council Tax payer but we are not complacent and are always striving to improve. These are challenging times for Surrey Heath but I believe we have the vision and the courage to face them and continue to provide local services for the residents and businesses of Surrey Heath."