Bournemouth’s Cabinet has recommended that Full Council on 24th February reduces its share of Council Tax bills, to ensure that Bournemouth residents see their bills frozen again 2015/16. This follows a rise in the precept by Dorset Fire & Rescue Authority on Tuesday (10th February).
If agreed at Council, this five year freeze will mean that each household paying Council Tax will, on average, be £150 better off in 2015/16.
Councillor John Beesley, Leader of the Council said:
“The Council has committed to doing all that it can to ensure that Bournemouth residents see no rise in their Council Tax bills. For the fifth year running we have been able to deliver on that commitment. On behalf of the Cabinet, and Bournemouth’s Council Tax payers, I will be asking Full Council to approve this budget on 24 February.
“We have been able to achieve this due to a strategy of actively building up our reserves, enabling us to put additional funds into the most valued frontline services, especially those for the elderly and the vulnerable in adults’ & children’s social care. We have done this against a reduction in Government funding of 50% over the past six years.”
Cllr Beesley continued: “We will continue to take innovative and well-planned approaches to our budget management in generating income, always with the aim of protecting frontline services. Currently establishing local trading companies in the businesses of building maintenance and adult social care will create new income streams to support frontline services. Furthermore, the Community Finance Initiative is providing loans to local entrepreneurs and mortgages for Bournemouth residents who are able to afford regular mortgage payments but who may not have the initial deposit levels required for most banks’ lending criteria. In 2015/16, we expect to secure a full banking licence, which paves the way for the Council to further support the local economy and increase its revenue stream.
“We aim to continue to improve the amenities and local economy of the town, increasing the availability of quality housing that is affordable, and regenerating Bournemouth’s most deprived areas.
“We will continue to be ambitious for all parts of the town and are determined to improve the quality of life for all Bournemouth residents. The seafront strategy and town centre vision will see more improvements in Bournemouth during 2015/16, and our accelerated housing strategy will continue to deliver across the board – homes for council tenants, property that is affordable for local people to buy and property inspections that see improved standards in the private rented sector.” He continued, “Our regeneration efforts in Boscombe and West Howe will continue apace, with a strong focus on community involvement in both areas.”
“Our staff are committed to doing more than ever before with significantly fewer resources than in the past, and it is a credit to them that we are able to continue serving the people of Bournemouth so well. I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and hard work for residents across the town.”
