A financial roadmap for the county council for the next three years has been approved by Cabinet members today.
The 2008/9 Draft Budget proposes a 3.9% increase in the county council's share of council tax for the next financial year - a rise of just 11 pence a day on a Band D property and the second lowest increase in Cumbria since council tax was introduced in 1993. For the following two years (2009/10 and 2010/11), the proposed council tax increase will be 3.5%.
The county council has been able to plan further ahead than ever before because the Revenue Support Grant announced by Government earlier this month covers the next three years. The last RSG announcement in 2005 covered a two-year period, and before that it was an annual announcement.
Cllr Joan Stocker, Cabinet member responsible for Finance, Performance and Resources, said:
"The good news is that we are able to plan further ahead than ever before and we have produced a balanced budget which keeps council tax rises to a minimum but also invests in the services which really matter. There is still uncertainty on the overall liability we face on equal pay and equal value claims as the legal process continues. We also need to make financial provisions for introducing single status for council employees - something we know has had a big impact in other public sector organisations. Therefore this Draft Budget needs to be a balanced mix of providing services, keeping a lid on council taxes and also making sure the council has robust financial foundations to cover future liabilities."
Cllr Tim Stoddard, Leader of the County Council, said:
"Councils all over the country still face tough decisions about what their priorities are and which services they can continue to provide given a limited budget, but we have laid our cards out on the table and I strongly believe that this mix is the best deal for for the people of Cumbria. We are focusing our investments so that people will see a difference on their own doorsteps, where it really matters. We are making extra provisions for looking after older people and giving them the sort of care they want and deserve. And we are creating a greener future, where less waste is buried in the ground and more money is invested in encouraging people to reduce, reuse and recycle."
Notes
The full Draft Budget papers presented to Cabinet can be viewed at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/councilmeetings/committees/cabinet.asp?Section=2
Draft Budget 2008/9 for fire & accident prevention work can be viewed here: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/news/2007/december/18_12_2007-111050.asp
Draft Budget 2008/9 for older people's services can be viewed here: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/news/2007/december/18_12_2007-113158.asp
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Follow this link to view the 2008/9 Draft Budget