Council announces two per cent tax rise for East Cambs residents

TAX bills for residents in East Cambridgeshire are set to go up by another two per cent, the district council announced this week.

The authority is in the third year of a medium term financial strategy which will deliver savings of more than £2 million pounds by 2015 and has so far seen the council reduce administration costs, increase fees and freeze recruitment.

The success of the plan means the authority will not be proposing any new cuts to services or funding for the next financial year but the burden on taxpayers for East Cambs’ share of the bill will increase by £2.79 for the average band D property.

Councillor Peter Moakes, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“Three years ago the council faced some incredibly tough choices. We had to make a number of difficult decisions which affected the lives of many, so strained were our resources.

“The plans which were put in place created the foundations for the strong financial situation in which we now find ourselves. We are not complacent - for we know the ongoing struggle local authorities face but I am encouraged that instead of debating cuts, we are talking about investing in services.

“Alongside discussions of our council tax base, we will be looking at a range of options to help our residents. From allocating thousands of pounds to develop an apprenticeship scheme to investing in Community Land Trusts, we want to help the young, the vulnerable and the elderly.

“This is why we will also be considering measures to tackle the significant issues we face with housing through out the district.”

The recommendations made by the finance and governance committee will go to full council in February to be discussed by all members.