PEOPLE in Teesdale can expect a succession of increases on their county tax bill as well as a cut in services in the near future.
On top of an increase in the police precept of more than seven per cent, county tax is to rise by almost three per cent and the adult social care precept is to rise by another two per cent.
Durham County Council’s cabinet is to meet today (Wednesday) to consider the county’s medium term financial plan which, along with recommending the tax and precept increases, proposes that charges for services such as refuse and recycling be raised.
If approved people living in a band D home could see their bills go up by £1.38 a week. The tax increase is the maximum the council can raise tax without having to hold a referendum.
If realised it should add £9.9million to council coffers.
Despite the extra cash, county finance chiefs say they need to make savings of £15.3million in the next year.
Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “The financial outlook for the council and the whole of local government remains extremely challenging and unless something changes we still have significant savings to make.
“While we have to continue to reduce our revenue expenditure because of government funding cuts, in this budget we are investing in our children and adult social care services, reflecting residents’ priorities. It is essential that our spending proposals reflect the priorities of the public so, once again, we have sought the views of residents on our plans and are pleased that the majority continue to support our approach to savings.”
Some £5.6million in savings are planned for adults and health services, and £2.7million in children’s services. A further £4.9million of savings are planned for regeneration and local services, including a review of library services, a “realignment of the winter maintenance budget” and a review of garden waste charges. However, changes to the winter maintenance budget would not affect the current road gritting network coverage, officers said. Cllr Alan Napier, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “We continue our work to protect frontline services, specifically those prioritised by the public, and the most vulnerable in our county but this is becoming increasingly difficult as financial pressures increase.
“It is also imperative that we continue to invest in capital infrastructure as it is our key route to boosting the local economy.”
FUNDING INCREASE…
GOVERNMENT funding for Durham County Council is expected to rise by £2.3million in the coming year.
This is despite a huge reduction in the support grant (RSG) the county receives. The RSG is expected to be slashed by more than £14million in the 2018 to 2019 period, but an increase of £19million in an Improved Better Care Fund will more than make up for it, according to council reports.
Other government grants that are due to be cut are public health, education services and adult social care. Grants through the new homes bonus scheme and business rates are set to rise over the period.
