West Dunbartonshire Council has confirmed at a Special Budget Meeting (Thursday 28th January) that the Council will continue to honour its pledge to freeze Council Tax levels for 2010/11. The headline Band ‘D’ property will remain at £1,163.
The Council approved the 2010/11 budget that will meet a funding gap of £2.2 million without key service closures and is now waiting on confirmation of West Dunbartonshire’s final settlement from Scottish Government.
The new budget will continue the programme of free school meals for all primary 1 to 3 school children and will further enhance policing in West Dunbartonshire. A special scheme has also been established to help support those in most need of financial assistance in meeting increased Council charges.
Council Leader Iain Robertson added: “We listened carefully to the views made by local residents and council staff at our Budget Forums and through online feedback forms, and recognize what the priorities are for local people. This budget protects the area’s most vulnerable residents, provides safer communities and delivers our ongoing commitment to the Concordat. Importantly, it recognises the impact of the current financial climate on local purses. Council tax bills are a major element of local household budgets and we will continue to freeze Council Tax levels without compromising on services or jobs.”
Convenor of Finance Craig McLaughlin said: “We are already working towards next year’s budget and the significant challenge that reduced public sector funding will present to this Council and the rest of Scotland’s public sector. We will not support headline grabbing spending commitments but will fight to safeguard our frontline services. This Council will continue a freeze on all non essential spend to deliver savings of £500,000 and we will transform the way we plan financially for the future. By making changes to the way we work, we will provide value for money for West Dunbartonshire residents. We simply will not increase the financial burden on local tax payers.”
The budget was also good news for tenants who will see their weekly rent increase by 4.6%, an average rent rise of only £2.31 per week. This will include an enhanced estate caretaking service. The special uplift service is also to be included in tenants’ rent costs up to the value of £50,000, subject to consultation with tenants groups.
Full details of the 2010/11 budget (pdf, 454kb)
