Warwickshire County Council sets lowest council tax rise in a decade
Warwickshire County Council has agreed a 2.4% council tax rise, the smallest percentage increase in over a decade.
Council tax for band D properties will now be £1,155.25 annually, an increase of £27.07 a year.
Efficiency savings in excess of £10 million have been identified across the organisation with further savings identified for coming years. The county budget (which will be £323,068,244 for 2010/11) will continue to provide key services, including 250 schools, protecting vulnerable children, the fire and rescue service, adult social care and the maintenance of 2,500 miles of highways (including meeting the costs of this year’s cold winter).
Like all local authorities, the county council is facing financial pressure as a result of the recession with a reduction in its own income and an increased demand for services.
For example, by 2028 the number of people aged over 65 will rise from around 91,400 to approximately 138,700 – an increase of 51.8%, which is 6% above the national average. Inevitably, this will result in a rise in care needs the costs of which have to be met from the County Council budget. This year’s budget resolution includes proposals to tackle such and future pressures.
Comment from Cllr Alan Farnell, leader of Warwickshire County Council: “The county council is working hard to continue to provide services in a tough financial environment.
"We are moving forward with our priorities – raising educational attainment; caring for older people and people with disabilities; creating a sustainable environment and economy; and protecting communities – and I am pleased that we are set to do so for the coming year without passing on a large bill to the taxpayer.”