At its full council meeting East Dorset District Council has set the budget for 2014/15, to include a modest increase to its share of the Council Tax.
The 2014/15 budget approved by members will see a 1.95% rise in the district council’s share of the Council Tax. This small increase amounts to 7p per week for a Band D property.
In his speech to the council, Cllr Ian Monks, Leader of East Dorset District Council, said: “The most recent Local Government Finance Settlement shows a net reduction in funding of 9.4% in 2014-15 and 13.2% in 2015-16. Despite representations that the relentless reduction in funding will ultimately undermine our ability to undertake our statutory responsibilities, this has had little traction with government.
“Our strategy regarding Council Tax increases has been for small affordable increases of below £4 per annum. Whilst any increase in tax is never welcome, we believe this strategy will significantly protect the income needed to continue the services we intend to deliver in the future.
“The net budget for 2014/15 is based on the premise of a 1.95% increase in Council Tax. This measure is however about more than the coming year. We cannot run the financial affairs of this Council on a short term basis and by not implementing this modest increase we run the risk of storing up problems for the future.”
The district council’s element in a Band D property will be £198.45. The total Council Tax payable, including contributions to Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and Dorset Fire Authority, will be £1687.80, although there will be variations to that amount depending on contributions payable to town and parish councils.
