Lib Dems back lowest Council Tax increase in Council's history

8.31.20pm GMT Thu 3rd Mar 2005

Working in partnership, Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors have finalised their plans for today's budget meeting.

At 4.8%, the parties are proposing the City's lowest Council Tax rise since the authority's inception in 1997.

Part of the proposals will include measures targeted to boost the Council's work with diverse communities in the city. This includes:

• £25,000 to provide a full time staff member for Pride.

• £5,000 to provide a consultant to evaluate the recommendations of the recent Racial Harassment Forum report

• £20,000 to improve CCTV coverage on Western Road, in the light of the murder in Palmeira Square.

Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Paul Elgood said: 'Working together we have put together a strong budget for the city. It is the lowest council tax increase in the city's history, and will see a major boost to frontline service delivery. We are confident that we won't be capped.

'This is an affordable council tax rise and the benefit can be seen in the increased allocation of funding to frontline areas.

'We have also been able to progress three small projects to improve relations with the city's diverse communities and improve safety for residents.

'This is the right approach and is in the very best interests of the City.'

The budget proposals also include:

• 4.8% increase for schools

• 11.1% increase for Children's Social Services

• 5.7% increase for cultural services

• 9.2% increase for the partnership with the Primary Care Trust and South Downs NHS Trust for adult social care services - including Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Services

• 4% increase for housing and city support

If agreed the tax for a band D property should go up from £1,161 to £1,218 - a rise of 4.8 per cent.