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Teignbridge asks public about possible tax hike

Sunday, 23 December 2018 10:31

By Radio Exe News and Daniel Clark, local democracy reporter

Proposed rises modest, but average property pays £1,834

It's likely to be more costly to live in Teignbridge next year. Council tax could go up three per cent - that's about in line with inflation - and will add five pounds to the district element of a bill. But car park charges, entry at leisure centres and the fee for green waste collections may go up too, although the increases should be small.

 

Teignbridge District Council's asking residents what they think.

 

It says central government funding's being cut - and they'll have to give some staff pay rises well above the rise in the cost of living. If draft plans are approved, it would see Teignbridge’s share of the average band D property council tax bill rise from £165.17 a year to £170.17.

In his report, the council’s chief finance officer Martin Flitcroft explained that significant government funding and cost changes will affect the council in future years, which means the council tax bill is set to rise.

They are:

  • A 4.9 per cent increase in the statutory National Living Wage from £7.83 to £8.21 next year
  • Pay increases for current and future years with a flat rate increase for the majority of grades of 2 per cent in each year and higher increases on lower pay points of up to 9.2 per cent in 2018/19 and a further 5.9 per cent in 2019/20.
  • The proposal to cease New Homes Bonus after 2019/20 and replace with an alternative source of housing funding
  • Cuts in government funding over with the revenue support grant reducing to NIL for 2019/20 and thereafter
  • Additional staffing, leasing and running costs to maintain delivery of the refuse and recycling service and for the additional dwellings being built and in occupation.

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, leader of the council, has previously said that the council’s decision to purchase the Market Walk shopping centre in Newton Abbot is keeping council tax bills down by £20 a year.

A report by chief financial officer Martin Flitcroft’s says that an increase of £368,000 in income is anticipated for next year. “Car parking charges are proposed to increase to give extra income of £57,000, which equates to an increase of 1.6 per cent. This will help towards inflation and in particular the rates increase arising from the revaluation that mostly affects car parks.

“The main changes have been to increase charges generally across the majority of car parks. This includes the permits which were not increased last year. However to support the town centres, it is proposed to reduce the parking charges in these areas up to one hour.

“The successful opt in green waste subscription has been increased by £5, the first increase since its introduction. The revised fee continues to be below the national average and the average charge within Devon.”

The full details of proposed budget changes and charges and fees have not yet been revealed.

The budget also outlines projects that are included in infrastructure delivery plan investment over the next few years, with money set aside for a new railway station at Marsh Barton, improvements to the A382, education, green spaces, refurbishments of play areas at Decoy and the Den, and cycle provision.

Cllr Stuart Barker, Teignbridge District Council’s executive portfolio holder for corporate resources said: “We have taken a number of steps to help us deliver and improve services, work well within our means and keep inflation increases to a minimum.

“We want to set a budget that addresses the priorities and allows the council to prepare for the grant reductions we know are happening. Make sure you have your say so we can take all views into account before producing our final budget proposals.”

Of the total average annual £1,834.97 council tax collected per property, Teignbridge retains just nine per cent – £165.17 of the current total bill. This figure has reduced from just under 12 per cent in 2002/03 and is now the equivalent of £3.17 per week for its services.

The rest is shared between Devon County Council (72 per cent), the Police (10 per cent), the fire authority (5 per cent), and 4 per cent to parishes and towns.
People can have their say through a budget survey which asks respondents to indicate whether they agree or disagree with five statements including one about the proposed rise.

The survey can be found here: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/liveconsultations and ends on Friday 1 February.

The initial report will be discussed by Teignbridge’s executive on January 8. The council's executive will consider the final financial proposals on February 7 before Full Council will meet on February 28 to consider and agree the final financial proposals and council tax resolution.

 

 

 

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