Council tax freeze approved
A council tax freeze in South Norfolk was rubberstamped this week after leaders diverted some reserve funds to help householders.The Conservative controlled South Norfolk Council approved a zero percent rise in its precept on Monday , despite officer recommendations to increase council tax by 1.
A council tax freeze in South Norfolk was rubberstamped this week after leaders diverted some reserve funds to help householders.
The Conservative controlled South Norfolk Council approved a zero percent rise in its precept on Monday , despite officer recommendations to increase council tax by 1.86pc from April.
Members of the district council decided on their second tax freeze in three years after opting against putting another �110,000 into the authority's �5m reserves.
John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, said he was 'proud' to present a balanced budget, despite the impact of the recession. Over the last 12 months, the council has cut �2m out of its budget, which has seen the loss of 40 jobs, but no compulsory redundancies.
'It's true that we agreed a target of 2.5pc in September and our consultation with residents and business supported this approach, but it is because of some 'windfalls' and good management that we now have the option of a freeze.
'It would have been a confidence trick upon the electorate to have indulged ourselves by increasing reserves in this year to pull the rabbit out of the hat just before the election,' he said.
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The proposals mean that the council tax precept for an average Band D property will remain at �130.68 for the 2010/11 financial year.
South Norfolk Council is currently in discussions with neighbours Breckland Council to share services, which is aimed to increase the scale of operations and make further savings.
